ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma is the titular King of Tripura and the founder of the Tipra Motha Party. His party runs the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council and is also an ally of the BJP at the state level, making him one of the key voices from the Northeast.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pradyot talks about infiltration from Bangladesh, his demand for a separate state called Greater Tipraland, and why he feels the Northeast is facing a crisis of identity. He also explains why he wants a “Bihar-style SIR” in Tripura, slams vote bank politics, and raises concerns about the rights of indigenous people. Pradyot looks back at Tripura’s merger with India, the legacy of his royal family, and his own journey from student politics to leading a regional party.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:23 – Delay in the Tiprasa Accord06:10 – Demand for SIR in the Northeast13:52 – The Untold Story of Tripura’s Merger after Partition18:28 – Refugee Influx in Tripura32:43 – Local Identity vs. National Identity38:31 – NRC and the Demand for Greater Tipraland46:45 – Tribal Identity & Youth Aspirations in Tripura54:20 – Tripura Royal Family & Entering Politics1:00:24 – Snap Reaction Segment1:24:35 – Movies, Mimicry & Languages1:30:08 – Message to the Youth

Lobsang Sangay served as the Tibetan Prime Minister in exile from 2011 to 2021. He was the first person without a monastic background to hold this post. Born in 1968 in a refugee community in Darjeeling, India, he studied law at Delhi University. Later, he went to Harvard University to study international law and democracy, and is now an American citizen.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he talks about how China interferes in the local affairs of South Asian countries, including Nepal. He warns New Delhi to be cautious about its thaw with China, reminding that Beijing follows an expansionist policy. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the Tibetan movement and what India and other nations can do to support it.Sangay speaks about the question of the Dalai Lama’s successor and what it would mean for Tibet and China. He also explains why China is building the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra and what risks it poses. Finally, he reflects on life in India and abroad, and what Tibetans living in exile continue to hope for.Link to Episode 131: https://youtu.be/8WXWYRNhBOw*Audio Timestamps:*00:00 - Introduction01:14 - PM Modi's China Visit03:15 - Tibet's Stance on India-China Relation07:51 - India's China Trade Balancing Act10:25 - China's Pressure on India's Activism13:18 - Tibetans Hurt by India's China Thaw?17:53 - Is China Threatening Taiwan, Tibet?20:18 - Why Does Xi Keep Visiting Tibet?25:05 - Truth Behind Tibet's Chinese Rule27:55 - What Do Exiled Tibetans Want?29:48 - 'Voice For The Voiceless' Book32:24 - Tibetan Buddhism Under Chinese Rules?39:11 - Young Tibetans and Their Identity?42:51 - Where Will Next Dalai Lama’s Successor Be Born?44:17 - Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation Process Explained?51:52 - Where Is the Real Panchen Lama?55:21 - China's Fake Dalai Lama Motives58:17 - Buddhist Nations and Dalai Lama's Future01:06:25 - Buddhist Festivals vs. China's Push01:11:42 - US Pushback on China's Narratives01:20:30 - Why Bollywood's Silence on Tibet Issue?01:23:15 - Does Lobsang Struggle with Identity?

Pavneet Singh is an author, teacher, and content creator who makes videos on geopolitics, foreign affairs, and international relations. Over the years, he has carved a niche for himself by simplifying geopolitics into layman’s terms, making it easy for everyone to understand. He also runs a popular YouTube channel called SpyGamesPavneet.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pavneet discusses how governments are being toppled in South Asia, with Nepal serving as the latest example. Is there a foreign hand at play, or was it truly a people’s revolt? He also shares his views on the India–US trade dispute and why ties between the two countries have hit their lowest point in the last two decades.Pavneet further discusses Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China after seven years, and whether India should be cautious in resetting its ties with Beijing. The conversation also touches upon Pakistan, Operation Sindoor, the Russia–Ukraine war, and even the role of the so-called ‘Deep State’ in India.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:00 – Nepal’s Gen Z Protests05:22 – Social Media’s Role in Nepal Protests11:33 – Regional Politics and Nepal’s Stability17:24 – Foreign Influence in Nepal’s Crisis20:33 – Regimes Toppled in South Asia24:25 – India’s Approach to Regional Stability31:18 – China’s Vision and Regional Ambitions36:16 – India’s Strategic Autonomy & the SCO Summit42:26 – India–China Thaw & Nuclear Proliferation47:00 – America’s Deep Game in Pakistan49:37 – Regime Degradation in South Asia54:52 – The India–China Border Issue1:04:32 – Peter Navarro’s Anti-India Comments1:10:09 – India’s Adaptive Foreign Policy1:15:19 – Gen Z’s Geopolitical Awakening

Amod Kanth is a former IPS officer who served in the Delhi Police and is known for handling some of India’s most high-profile and sensitive cases. He was the investigating officer in the Jessica Lal murder case and played a key role in probing the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Kanth also headed the Crime Branch and later founded Prayas, an NGO working for children and youth.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Amod Kanth speaks about the motive behind Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination and what really went on behind the scenes. He also talks about the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the rise of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and how the Jessica Lal case changed India, highlighting the crucial role of media activism. He shares first-hand accounts of policing during turbulent times, the challenges of maintaining law and order, and the lessons these landmark cases hold for India’s governance and society.00:00 – Introduction02:59 – Jessica Lal Murder Case11:09 – Big Names at the Party When Jessica Was Murdered20:08 – Jessica Lal Murder Investigation23:24 – Cover-Up in the Jessica Case30:16 – Manu Sharma's Surrender34:09 – Court Acquitted All Accused in the Jessica Case35:52 – How Media Scrutiny Reopened the Jessica Case44:15 – BMW Hit & Run Case57:28 – Sting Operation on BMW Hit & Run Case01:02:34 – Why the Witness Flipped in BMW Hit & Run Case01:07:11 – Romesh Sharma Chopper Case01:14:47 – Romesh Sharma's Connection with Mafias01:20:01 – Bhindranwale & Operation Blue Star01:30:00 – Indira Gandhi's Assassination01:32:44 – How Did Delhi Police Handle the 1984 Riots?01:42:28 – Rajiv Gandhi's Assassination01:48:58 – Why Rajiv Gandhi Neglected Security01:51:20 – Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Probe01:56:58 – Delhi After Rajiv Gandhi's Death01:59:08 – Amod Kanth's 'Prayas JAC Society'02:03:44 – Joining Politics

Milind Deora is a former Union Minister of State and prominent Mumbai politician who joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena after spending over two decades in the Congress. Known for his candid views on governance, democracy, and Mumbai’s development, Deora has often been at the centre of key political debates.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he opens up on Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, why he left the Congress, and discusses Trump’s tariffs on India. He also speaks about democracy within political parties, while slamming the protests against the SIR issue.Deora shares his views on Mumbai’s lost decade due to internal party politics, explains why certain sections cannot digest Prime Minister Modi’s success, and talks about the road ahead for the Shiv Sena.Timestamps00:00 – Coming Up02:08 – Introduction03:29 – Why He Left Congress06:24 – Freedom of Speech in NDA07:36 – Reasons for Leaving Congress14:26 – Manmohanomics vs. Modinomics15:30 – Young Leaders Betraying Congress?18:00 – Hindi–Marathi Language Row22:08 – Mumbai’s Lost Decade28:54 – Mumbai’s Infrastructure32:38 – Garbage & Pothole Issues38:13 – Mumbai’s Development46:17 – Can Mumbai Regain Its Global Status?49:06 – Marine Drive vs. Bandra–Worli Sea Link50:38 – Mumbai’s Food Culture52:11 – Pani Puri vs. Bhel Puri53:05 – Udupi Hotel vs. Irani Café53:29 – Gateway of India vs. CSMT53:57 – Mumbai’s Local Trains54:29 – Puran Poli vs. Shrikhand56:55 – Mumbai’s Dabbawalas58:04 – Bollywood01:00:12 – All-Party Delegation on Operation Sindoor01:05:17 – ‘Vote Chori’ Controversy01:06:45 – Central Agencies Being Misused?01:12:57 – Remembering the 26/11 Attack01:22:04 – Why Didn’t India Retaliate After 26/11?01:24:48 – Munir’s Nuke Threat Against India01:27:30 – Should India’s Youth Enter Politics?01:30:22 – Meeting with PM Modi01:31:36 – Equations with the Gandhis After Leaving Congress

How does the Opposition make its strategy to counter the ruling government in Parliament? Who is responsible for running the House? Why was the Monsoon Session of Parliament completely washed out? What led to Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden exit? Why has the Opposition made the ‘Vote Chori’ row its main weapon against the government? Was there really a BJP vs. BJP fight in the Constitution Club polls?To answer these questions and give you the inside scoop, this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash is joined by ANI correspondents who closely cover Parliament and political parties, Suchitra Mukherjee, Siddharth Sharma, Nishant Ketu, Amit Kumar, along with Naveen Kapoor, National Bureau Chief.00:00 – Introduction00:50 – Opposition’s Strategy in Parliament04:59 – Parliament Session Washout: Who Is to Blame?06:40 – Where is Jagdeep Dhankhar?09:12 – What is Zero Hour in Parliament?12:37 – BJP vs BJP in Constitution Club Polls?21:09 – Jaya Bachchan’s Selfie Chaos24:39 – Shashi Tharoor vs Congress?25:58 – Restrictions on Media at BJP & Congress HQs?30:59 – ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations by Opposition36:05 – Which MP Says No to Giving Bites?40:21 – Covering Parliament as a Reporter42:25 – Women MPs Bonding in Parliament48:00 – Congress Removes the ‘Alcohol Abstention’ Clause52:09 – Priyanka’s Role in Congress54:27 – Man/Woman of the Match of the Parliament Session57:44 – The Man Behind Dhankhar’s Resignation1:01:03 – Story Behind Akhilesh Jumping Barricades1:05:15 – BJP–RSS Bonhomie1:08:41 – Can NDA Lose Its Majority?1:11:27 – Impact of Operation Sindoor1:13:08 – Manish Tewari & Shashi Tharoor Sidelined?1:15:44 – Experience of Covering Operation Sindoor

Sardar Tarlochan Singh is a former Rajya Sabha member and ex-Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities. He has spent his life fighting for Sikh causes, human rights, and keeping the Punjabi language alive, promoting Sikhism around the world. He has seen it all, from Partition, Nehru and Indira Gandhi’s rule, the rise of Bhindranwale, Operation Blue Star, Rajiv Gandhi, to Modi’s government.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he talks about Sikhism, what the Sikh community expects from the Central Government, and his experience as Press Secretary to President Giani Zail Singh during the difficult time after Indira Gandhi’s assassination and the anti-Sikh riots. From Partition to now, he shares how life for Sikhs in India has changed over the years.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:14 – Language Politics in India07:10 – Untold History of India-Pakistan Partition18:47 – Govt Engagement with Sikh Diaspora29:14 – Sikh Diaspora's Political Influence37:22 – Khalistan Issue & SGPC Politics41:02 – Giani Zail Singh’s Political Life48:43 – Giani Zail Singh vs. Rajiv Gandhi1:12:31 – Op Blue Star & Rise of Bhindranwale1:25:21 – Psychological & Political Impact of Op Blue Star1:32:50 – PM Modi's Bold Steps for Sikhs1:39:14 – Modi’s Role During the Gujarat Riots

Kalli Purie is the Vice Chairperson & Executive Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group. She studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University, UK. She is a core member of the team that created a modern newsroom designed for today’s multimedia and multi-device world. In this episode of the ANI Podcast, Kalli Purie talks about the kind of political pressure news channels face from governments and how they handle it. She explains why every channel calls itself “number one,” and why billionaires are buying news channels. She also opens up about why some top anchors left India Today, shares her opinion on influencers who do news without being journalists, and discusses how people are changing the way they consume news. She even makes a big prediction about the 2029 general elections.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:09 – Heated Newsroom Discussions04:46 – Battle to Get TRPs07:54 – Operation Sindoor: Flaws in Coverage?10:54 – Fake News & Fact-Checking Team17:10 – Reality of News Channel Ratings21:24 – Anchor Popularity vs Ratings27:39 – Traditional Media vs Influencers35:23 – Managing Anchors' Demands39:44 – Evolution of Hindi News Channels44:21 – Race for Exclusive Content47:01 – The ‘Godi Media’ Term52:59 – Billionaires buying Channels1:01:12 – TV News Criticism & Digital Shift1:07:45 – AI in Newsrooms1:11:46 – Childhood Passion to Media Leadership1:22:58 – Gender Perception in Media1:28:27 – Idea Generation and Teamwork1:35:06 – Work-Life Balance

Tilak Devasher is an author and a former member of India’s National Security Advisory Board. Sushant Sareen is a Senior Fellow at ORF and an expert on Pakistan and security issues in the region.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss how India can defeat Pakistan in its global propaganda war, the shortcomings in media and narratives during Operation Sindoor, and why Trump appears to be choosing Pakistan over India. They also delve into the psyche of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir and his recent comments against India.Audio Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:23 - Asim Munir's Interview in Brussels10:47 - India-Pak Conflict: Why Did Pakistan Make It a Religious War?16:46 - Asim Munir: Next President of Pakistan?18:47 - Asim Munir's Allegations Against India21:17 - The Mission Behind Munir’s US Visit23:18 - Is Pakistan Choosing the US Over China?28:51 - US Independence Day Message for Pakistan30:13 - Will Asim Munir Ever Retire?33:40 - How Is the Pakistan Army Funded?36:35 - Pakistani Diaspora & Social Media Narratives45:33 - India’s Ban on Pakistani Handles51:45 - Has India Always Misread Washington?57:10 - End of the Road for the QUAD?01:02:51 - Western Hypocrisy on Russian Oil01:10:41 - America’s Double Standards on Democracy01:14:01 - Is India Losing the Narrative War?01:17:53 - Ex-Pak FM Calls India a Rogue State01:24:36 - Civil Society's Role in the Narrative War01:38:59 - Is History Taught in Schools Biased?

Priyanka Chaturvedi is a Rajya Sabha MP from Shiv Sena (UBT) and the party’s Deputy Leader in the Upper House. She has been active in politics for over a decade, after starting her career in media and communications. She is known for her articulate debates in Parliament and on news platforms. Representing Maharashtra, she is regarded as one of the well-known women parliamentarians in India.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, she speaks about Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of 'vote theft' against the Election Commission. She also shares her views on Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation as the VP. She also dives into the Marathi–Hindi language row, and what it takes for a woman without a political background to become an MP.She also discusses Operation Sindoor, her meeting with Prime Minister Modi, and what lies ahead once her term in the Rajya Sabha ends next year.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:24 - Jaya Bachchan's 'Don't Control Me' Remark02:29 - Why Jaya Bachchan Scolded a Man06:24 - Experience as Rajya Sabha MP07:34 - Rajya Sabha Suspension08:44 - Dhankhar's Sudden Resignation14:31 - Women Parliamentarians17:11 - Future of Women in Politics23:20 - How to Deal with Trolls31:04 - Meeting with PM Modi32:46 - What’s Next After Rajya Sabha?36:02 - Priyanka’s Party Switch Buzz39:27 - Hindi–Marathi Language Row40:27 - When PM Met Op Sindoor Delegates42:23 - Priyanka's Bilawal Bhutto Mimicry45:23 - Part of All-Party Delegation on Op Sindoor47:23 - Shiv Sena (UBT) Take on Op Sindoor49:23 - Ruckus in Rajya Sabha over Op Sindoor54:07 - Op Sindoor: Shiv Sena (UBT) Mixed Opinion57:20 - Personal Comments in Maharashtra Politics01:02:58 - Vote Chori Row01:03:43 - Rahul's 'Match Fixing' Remark01:15:10 - Is INDIA Bloc Still Together?01:17:07 - Bihar 'SIR' Controversy01:19:27 - Faith in Democracy01:21:01 - SC's Order on Stray Dogs01:26:15 - Priyanka Does Mimicry01:28:10 - Meeting with Amitabh Bachchan01:29:33 - Meeting with Ex-PM Dr Manmohan Singh01:33:20 - Stories About Women MPs’ Sarees01:35:20 - Is Shashi Tharoor Sidelined from Party?01:36:20 - Delhiites vs Mumbaikars