ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Anurag Singh Thakur is a BJP MP in the Lok Sabha representing the Hamirpur constituency in Himachal Pradesh. He currently holds the positions of Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs, and Minister of Information and Broadcasting in the Second Modi Ministry. His father, Prem Kumar Dhumal, was a former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Previously, Thakur has also served as Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs. Additionally, he was the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from May 2015 to February 2017. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Anurag Thakur discusses the development in Himachal Pradesh during the NDA rule. He also criticized Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, stating that Congress promises in the state remain unfulfilled and accusing him of politicizing the Himachal flood situation. Thakur also emphasizes PM Modi's popularity, particularly among women voters, and highlights the benefits of the Agnipath scheme for the country's youth, discussing its potential impact on the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. (0:00) Introduction1:00Fifth Term MP?3:31Amit Shah's Appreciation (5:47) Popularity Among Voters (7:15) Modi Developing HP? (12:58) Agnipath Scheme (16:58) Gandhis Took Chinese Money? (19:24) Atmanirbhar in Defence... (22:32) Modi's Women Voters (27:45) HP Congress Govt. is a Laughing Stock (32:13) Kargil War35:11:00Himachal is Veerbhumi (36:49) We Can Raze Pak Down To Dust (40:05) Who Will Win LS Polls 2024? (45:05) Foreign Media's Election Coverage (47:13) INDIA Alliances's Ban List (49:28) Social Media Influencing Elections? (50:50) Personal Attacks in Election Campaigns (52:22) Constitution Amendment Row (54:30) Sansad Mobile Swasthya Seva (58:42) Cricket Career0:59:43I Will Win...1:01:10PM Modi's Commitment (1:04:42) Family is My Asset

69 mins

Elections are currently underway in India, the world's largest democracy. However, as the voting progresses, there's a noticeable shift in political discourse. The focus has moved away from core issues towards topics like identity, caste reservation, and the constitution. But why are political parties deviating? What lies beneath this shift? We'll delve into these questions to uncover the truth. Joining the podcast are Suhel Seth and Advaita Kala. Suhel Seth is a brand guru, author, and columnist. Advaita Kala is an author, columnist, and screenwriter, best known for her work on the critically acclaimed film 'Kahaani.' In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Suhel Seth and Advaita Kala discuss the election narrative for the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha Polls. They delve into legacy media's coverage of the elections, with Kala claiming that there is a general level of distrust towards mainstream media. She also suggests that social media platforms may be controlling the narrative through their extensive systems. The conversation also touches on PM Narendra Modi, his farsightedness, and his immense popularity among the masses, with Seth claiming that 'brand Modi' is more popular than that of RSS and BJP combined. Tune in for an episode filled with jibes, sarcasm, and satire. (0:00) Intro1:47Summer Elections (2:42) Seth's Jibe at Kala (5:20) Legacy Media's Election Coverage (6:45) Indian Electorate (10:30) Brand Modi15:30Toothless Election Commission? (17:44) Hindu Identity Politics (26:20) Laws Have Exonerated Modi (29:20) 1984 Sikh 'Genocide' (30:50) Congress Controlled Media? (32:45) Lutyens' Gang'34:50:00Distrust in Legacy Media (39:14) Hate Economy is Thriving (43:40) Seth's Meeting with Modi (45:10) Sensational' Campaigns (48:00) Western Media's Agenda (51:35) Primetime Debates (54:10) Indian Political Discourse (1:00:12) Tech Platforms Controlling Narrative? (1:02:30) Politics Affecting Relationships? (1:04:14) Swati Maliwal Row (1:06:00) The AAP Campaign (1:10:40) AAP's Punjab Connection (1:13:16) Election Reforms? (1:15:20) Digital Activism (1:17:17) The Labharthi Factor

83 mins

Taranjit Singh Sandhu is a former Indian diplomat who served as India's ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2024. He played a key role in the establishment of the Indian embassy in Ukraine. He also served as the First Secretary in Washington, held the position of Consul General in Frankfurt, and was the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, he held various key positions within the Ministry of External Affairs in India. In March 2024, Taranjit Singh Sandhu joined the BJP and was selected as the party's candidate for the religiously important Amritsar constituency in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, former ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu discusses the law and order situation in Punjab, addressing the drug crisis affecting the state's youth. He criticizes the Aam Aadmi Party for failing to manage the situation and provide jobs for Punjab's younger generation. According to Sandhu, there is widespread dissatisfaction with AAP's performance, leading to a strong anti-incumbency sentiment in the northern state. Additionally, Taranjit Singh Sandhu outlines his vision for transforming Amritsar into a tourism and start-up hub to boost the city's economy. (0:00) Introduction0:35Diplomat Turned Politician (2:52) Why Joined Politics (4:20) Family Roots to Amritsar (9:53) SGPC Connection with Family (15:00) Parents' Legacy17:53Higher Education in Delhi (18:35) BJP's Amritsar Jinx (20:58) Problems in Amritsar (23:25) Unemployment in Amritsar (26:51) Startup Culture in Punjab (29:30) VFS & U.S. Consulate in Amritsar (31:25) Agriculture in Punjab (36:16) Punjab Cargo Facility (41:15) PM Modi's Policies (42:13) Punjab's AAP Sarkar (45:48) On Sukhpal Khera Row (48:19) Amritpal Singh Poll Debut (51:02) SAD-BJP Breakup (52:17) Friendship with Sukhbir Badal (56:19) PM's Sikh Diaspora Connect (58:35) India-U.S. Ties

62 mins

Elections are currently ongoing in the world's largest democracy. The outcome of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls is of particular interest. Factors such as the influence of the Yogi administration, the electoral prospects of Congress in Raebareli, the performance of the SP, and the strategy of Mayawati's BSP regarding caste dynamics remain key points of interest. Joining the discussion are two senior journalists Ashutosh Shukla and Virendra Nath Bhatt. Ashutosh Shukla works as Dainik Jagran's state editor in Uttar Pradesh. Beside that, Shukla is also the author of four books. Virendra Nath Bhatt is a senior journalist based in Uttar Pradesh. In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, the two senior journalists delve into the electoral landscape of Uttar Pradesh. According to Virendra Nath Bhatt, the opposition's narrative suggesting Yogi's potential removal from the CM's position is contributing to a polarization of votes in favor of the BJP. He also asserts that the power struggle within the Congress between Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is widely known in Uttar Pradesh. Ashutosh Shukla highlights that women serve as silent supporters of PM Modi, and the newly built Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is expected to influence these elections. Additionally, the journalists also explore Mayawati's strategies to maintain her Dalit vote bank. (0:00) Introduction0:57Has Yogi Delivered UP? (3:18) UP Voters' Pattern (7:52) Reservation Row (14:53) The Labharthi Factor (18:03) Caste Politics in 2024 Polls (23:26) Mahila' Voters & Women Quota (28:36) Bundelkhand Development (31:10) Akhilesh & Rahul's Bond (36:45) Congress' Nostalgia Push (38:59) Ayodhya Ram Temple (43:02) Will Mayawati Rise Again? (48:22) Arvind Kejriwal's Claims (50:20) Muslim Votes55:08:00Gandhis Giving Up Amethi (59:08) Congress' Shift To Leftism1:01:17Election Predictions (1:05:55) Congress' Dynasty Politics (1:08:33) Farm Laws & UCC (1:13:07) Development in UP (1:16:22) Influence of Western Media

78 mins

Social activist and politician Swati Maliwal currently serves as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, representing Delhi. She participated in the 2011 Indian anti-corruption movement led by social activist Anna Hazare. Swati was the chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) from 2015 to 2024. During her tenure, she demanded greater accountability from the Delhi police, leading to frequent clashes between the commission and the police department. On May 13, Swati Maliwal alleged that she was assaulted by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's aide PS Bibhav Kumar. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Maliwal recounts her ordeal on what exactly happened on May 13. Swati expresses her belief that the truth will come to light once the original version of the videos is released. She feels betrayed by the AAP, noting that her friends and colleagues aren't standing by her. Swati also questions what this means for an ordinary person if it can happen to a Rajya Sabha MP. Swati also mentions that the AAP leadership never asked her to resign and that some party members have become arrogant due to being in power. She complains that Arvind Kejriwal hasn't called her since the incident came to light and is protecting Bibhav Kumar. Swati asserts that she won't give a clean chit to anyone, emphasizing that the Delhi CM was present at his residence when the incident occurred. (0:00) - Introduction (2:55) - Assault Row (7:45) - 'Doctored' Videos (9:00) - Kejriwal's Role (11:30) - Who is the culprit? (14:20) - Who is Bibhav Kumar? (16:35) - Leaked Videos (20:40) - Victim Shaming (25:10) - Police Complaint (28:30) -'AAP leaders pressured' claim (33:30) - AAP's stand on Swati's case (36:30) - Did AAP Betray Swati? (40:00) - Who is protecting Bibhav Kumar? (43:00) - "I Will Fight Till The End" (45:30) - Rajya Sabha Seat (50:20) - Betrayal in AAP (51:40) - Two Versions of the story (55:30) - "I Will Try To Fix The Party" (59:40) - Women in Politics (1:02:00) - "I Feel Broken Inside" (1:06:00) - Swati Maliwal case Probe

66 mins

In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we bring you a perfect blend of humour, fun, and candid discussions. Joining the conversation are Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies, Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, and Author & 'The Cārvāka Podcast' host Kushal Mehra. The duo delves into discussions around the country's socio-political landscape amidst the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Abhijit and Kushal explore the rise of political Hindutva and the introduction of monotheism in India through Islam. Abhijit criticizes the rise of 'woke' philosophy in the West and its impact in India. The duo also talks about the pro-Palestine protests sweeping through Western universities, mainly in the United States. In this podcast, they discuss the BJP-led Modi government, with Abhijit and Kushal questioning Rahul Gandhi and his leadership style. The duo also criticizes the Indian political system for its lack of space for free speech. Kushal also talks about his book 'Nastik: Why I Am Not an Atheist' and the thought process behind it. Tune in! This podcast is also filled with fun, laughter, witty jibes, and playful banter. (0:00) Introduction (2:26) Rise of Hindutva (11:26) Constitution Row (14:41) Indian Muslims (18:56) Western Media's Hypocrisy (21:12) Rise of Wokeism (33:26) Pro-Palestine Stir in U.S. (40:26) Wokeism a Threat to India? (42:51) Riddhi Patel Row (44:46) Rahul Gandhi 'Merit' Controversy (48:46) The Woke Narrative (52:41) Rahul Gandhi is Dangerous (0:59:16) Hypocrisy of Modi Critics1:03:56Veganism1:07:16Hindutva as a 'Disruptor' (1:09:56) The Modi Factor1:12:46Pluralism in Indian Society (1:25:26) Indian Secularism (1:31:26) Mutual Respect & Tolerance (1:36:56) Hindu Population (1:44:06) YouTube & Hate Speech (1:47:56) Freedom of Speech in India (1:57:26) Muslims in Modi's India

127 mins

Kapil Sibal is an Indian lawyer and politician. A designated Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, Sibal earned the reputation as one of the country's prominent lawyers. He also serves as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. Sibal served as a minister under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, holding various portfolios. In this role, he led Indian delegations at international forums. His tenure was marked by several controversies, including his attempts to regulate internet content. In 2022, Sibal left the Indian National Congress to independently file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, with support from the Samajwadi Party. He was subsequently re-elected as President of the Bar Association in the Supreme Court for the 2024–25 term. In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Kapil Sibal alleges that "democracy is under threat" in India, and questions the credibility of mainstream media in the country. The Senior Supreme Court Advocate also emphasized the need for judicial reforms in India.

56 mins

From ABVP's national secretary to the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Jagat Prakash Nadda's journey is that of a commoner from Himachal Pradesh who rose through the ranks to the top. Nadda has served the organization while holding crucial positions at different levels in the party. Currently, he leads one of the biggest political parties globally, with over 10 crore members. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, JP Nadda outlines the challenges in leading a party like the BJP and discusses his plans for further expansion. Without mincing words, he asserts that '400 Paar' is a reality, and the NDA led by the BJP will surpass this mark. He also addresses major issues like the Constitution and reservation, which are central to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Nadda vehemently opposes reservation based on religion, labelling it 'appeasement politics.' The BJP Chief also strongly criticizes Arvind Kejriwal over the alleged assault of AAP MP Swati Maliwal at the Delhi CM's house. He questions the Delhi CM's silence on the matter. In a no-holds-barred conversation, JP Nadda takes a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of spreading lies about the Constitution. Nadda also lashes out at Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee regarding the law and order situation in the state. He refers to her as 'unstable' and alleges that the TMC supremo has compromised the nation for the sake of votes. Nadda accuses Mamata Banerjee of providing shelter to infiltrators and misleading people about the CAA.

49 mins

Known for her fiery speeches, Union Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Amethi, Smriti Irani in the latest ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash revealed dark side of ‘Parivarvad’ politics in the constituency. Without mincing words, Smriti Irani attacked Gandhi siblings (Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi) and levelled startling allegations. With shocking claims, Irani recounted alleged insult and humiliation faced by BJP leader Maneka Gandhi when she contested from Amethi. In the podcast, the Union Minister also accused Congress and Gandhi siblings of booth capturing. BJP leader who wrested the Amethi seat from Rahul Gandhi in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, has been challenged by Congress’ loyalist KL Sharma this time. Rahul Gandhi is contesting Lok Sabha polls 2024 from Raebareli.

56 mins

Piyush Vedprakash Goyal is an Indian politician and chartered accountant who serves as a cabinet minister in the Government of India. He oversees portfolios including the Minister of Textiles, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. He is currently a Member of Parliament for Rajya Sabha representing Maharashtra and serves as the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha. In his 35-year political career, Piyush Goyal has reached several significant milestones. As Minister of Railways, he helped India achieve a safety record with zero passenger deaths in rail accidents. During his tenure as Power, Coal, and New & Renewable Energy Minister, he successfully implemented UJALA, the world's largest LED bulb distribution program. Earlier, he has also been the National Treasurer of the BJP. In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Rajya Sabha Leader Piyush Goyal speaks about his Mumbai roots and comments on the splits within Maharashtra's NCP and Shiv Sena. The senior BJP leader also talks about the party's contribution to India's development. He also attacks the Congress for playing devisive politics and dividing India on caste and religion lines for votes.

57 mins

The world's biggest festival of democracy is underway in India. Drama, spectacle, colour, jibes, and exuberant noise—India is witnessing everything. But what about its neighbours? How are they watching the Indian Election 2024? Who do they want in power: a strong independent government or a coalition one? How will the 2024 India General election shape neighbours' foreign policies? We will get all the answers. Joining this podcast are two esteemed experts, Ajay Bisaria and Tilak Devasher. Bisaria is a Distinguished Fellow at ORF. He served as the Indian High Commissioner to Canada and India's envoy to Pakistan, Poland, and Lithuania. He also authored the book "Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship Between India and Pakistan," which is discussed in the show. Tilak Devasher is the author of three widely acclaimed books on Pakistan. He retired as Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India in October 2014. He is currently a member of the National Security Advisory Board. In this episode, experts discuss how China is extending its trade ties with Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar, which pose high-risk points for Indian territories. They further talk about dealing with the Taliban government, terrorism of insurgent groups in Myanmar, and relations with the Pakistan government. And how should India deal with the New Maldivian government, which ran an 'India Out' Campaign.

95 mins