ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

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.

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.

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.(0:00) Intro(1:00) Electoral Debut (3:05) Mumbai Roots (4:30) Sam Pitroda's Divisive Comment(6:20) Split In The NCP(8:10) Uddhav Thackeray & Shiv Sena Split (13:40) Mera Baap Gaddar Hai Controversy (14:40) PM Modi & Sharad Pawar (17:00) Kejriwal's Bail (18:36) India Is The Future (20:03) BJP & Nation Building (27:10) PM Modi's Popularity (32:35) Congress' Divisive Politics (36:35) 400 Paar & Low Voter Turnout (38:49) Congress' LS Campaign (43:14) Fear of Riots In Mumbai...(46:00) Maharashtra Infra Development (50:06) Fatwa' Politics(51:45) India Wants PM Modi Back (54:25) We Are Karyakartas First(56:15) New Faces In BJP

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.

Nara Chandrababu Naidu, also known as Chandrababu Naidu or CBN, is a veteran Indian politician who currently holds the position of the leader of the opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and has been the president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) since 1995.Chandrababu Naidu also served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1995 to 2004 and is acknowledged for his role in the development of Hyderabad and for successfully conceptualizing the city's IT hub, Cyberabad. The veteran south Indian politician has also served as the opposition leader in the Andhra assembly from 2004 to 2014.In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, the senior Telegu leader tears into Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, blaming him for leaving the southern state bankcrupt and without a capital city.CBN also opened up about his party's alliance with the BJP, his take on reservation for Muslims, and freebie politics in Andhra Pradesh. He also reminiscences his time in the United Front alliance back in 1996, when senior leaders across the country urged him to step up as the Prime Minister.

Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao, widely recognized as KTR, is a Member of the Telangana Legislative Assembly and the son of K Chandrashekar Rao, the first Chief Minister of Telangana, created after bifurcating Andhra Pradesh.Previously, he served as cabinet minister for IT, Municipal Administration & Urban Development in Telangana's second assembly. He continues to represent the Sircilla assembly constituency since 2009 and holds the position of working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party.In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, KTR alleges that the ruling government has captured the country's institutions and there is no space for dissent. The former Telangana minister expressed his dislike for the Congress and its current leadership. He also dismisses the Delhi Liquor 'Scam' and adds that his sister K Kavitha is being wrongly accused in it and Central agencies are working at the behest of the Central government.He also questioned Telangana's Congress CM Revanth Reddy's ties with the RSS. KTR also dismissed the idea of dynasty politics, contending accomplishments and merits over familial ties. This exclusive interaction offers a closer look into the functioning of politics in the state of Telangana.

Sachin Pilot is a senior Congress leader and former Union Minister who has also served as Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan. He also held the position of President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee and played a major role in building the Congress Party's cadres in the state. Coming from a political family, his father, Rajesh Pilot, was a senior Congress politician and Union Minister as well.Pilot made history as the first Union minister of India to be commissioned as an officer in the Territorial Army. Currently, he serves as the Congress General Secretary for Chhattisgarh and is an MLA from Rajasthan's Tonk constituency.In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sachin Pilot discusses the Congress' and India Alliance's prospects in the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls. Without mincing words, Pilot addresses issues such as the Caste Census, Reservation, and the Constitutional row that are dominating the General elections.Sachin Pilot also reflects on the 2020 'revolt' and why he was not happy with the then-state government of Rajasthan. Pilot sheds light on his father's legacy and replies to allegations of dynasty politics. Pilot also speaks on the mass exodus that Congress is facing amidst the mega polls.

Hardeep Singh Puri, a former diplomat and current Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs in the Modi Government. He is also the longest-serving Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs in India's history.An Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1974 batch, Puri served as Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013. During this time, he also chaired the United Nations Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee from January 2011 to February 2013. Subsequently, in June 2013, he joined the International Peace Institute as a senior advisor.In a recent episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Hardeep Singh Puri made startling revelations about leaders of the Congress Party planning a presidential form of government during the peak of the Emergency. He also alleged that Sanjay Gandhi had a sinister plan to suspend elections for three to four decades. Puri also discussed the evolution of dynasty politics within the Congress Party over the years. Furthermore, he criticized foreign media for their biases towards the Narendra Modi government. Additionally, Puri shared insights on the BJP's prospects in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Prof. Dilip Mandal is anauthor and a seasoned journalist. He is the former managing editor of India Today Hindi Magazine, and has authored books on media and sociology. Often known for talking about the plight of dalits in India, Mandal has often seen himself in controversies for voicing out strong opinions on social media sites like X. In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the senior journalist speaks up about the ongoing Muslim Reservation Row, and why, reservation should not be on the basis on religion. He also speaks up on the important of a caste census in India. He also alleges that Congress has never acted in the intererst of the country's Dalit community.

Asaduddin Owaisi, a barrister and four-time Member of Parliament, is the Chief of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). He ranks among the 500 most influential Muslims globally. Representing the Hyderabad constituency in the Lok Sabha, Owaisi is campaigning for re-election against BJP's Madhavi Latha, known for her outspokenness.In the latest episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Owaisi discusses the controversy over Muslim reservations, following the PM's statement against religion-based quotas. Owaisi boldly advocates for addressing the social and educational challenges faced by Muslim communities through reservations. He criticizes PM Modi for labeling Muslims as 'infiltrators', condemning it as a new low in political discourse.AIMIM chief Owaisi counters PM Modi's claim on Muslim fertility rates, citing government data showing a decline. He questions BJP's slogan '400 Paar', suggesting it aims to alter the constitution. Owaisi also explains why he compared PM Modi to Hitler and claims Muslims in today's India are in a situation similar to that of the Jews during Hitler's era.Addressing Madhavi Latha's 'Bow-Arrow' gesture, Owaisi asserts she has been exposed and accuses BJP of diverting attention from development to religious divisions. He also responds to allegations of AIMIM's association with Razakars, dismissing them as baseless.