ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash Asian News International (ANI)

Dr. Cholenahally Nanjappa Manjunath, known as Dr. C N Manjunath, is a renowned cardiologist, who was the director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences & Research for 18 years, the largest Heart Care Centre in Southeast Asia. Under his leadership, the institute introduced 'Treatment First and Payment Next', praised by former U.S. President Barack Obama for providing high-quality cardiac care at affordable rates.

Recipient of the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, Dr Manjunath is also the son-in-law of HD Deve Gowda, former Prime Minister of India. He is now contesting in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls on a BJP ticket against DK Suresh, brother of Karnataka's Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, from the Bengaluru Rural seat. This election is seen as a battle for leadership within the Vokkaliga community, to which both candidates belong.

In an episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr Manjunath explains his delayed entry into politics despite his close ties to the JD(S) family and why he decided to contest on a BJP ticket. He discusses policies like Ayushman Bharat, aiming to provide healthcare to those below the poverty line, and the potential impact of the BJP-JD(S) alliance on his campaign against DK Suresh, the incumbent Congress MP from Bengaluru Rural.

Dr Manjunath also addresses the concerning rise of sudden heart attacks among young individuals, answering if COVID-19 vaccines play a role. He also shares insights on leading a healthy lifestyle.

HD Kumaraswamy, known as the 'kingmaker' of Karnataka politics, served as Chief Minister of Karnataka from 2018 to 2019 and from 2006 to 2007. He is contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Mandya constituency, which his son Nikhil lost to actor Sumalatha in 2019.

The son of former Indian Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy is also a Kannada film producer and actor. He has produced several successful Kannada films, including 'Chandra Chakori', which ran for an impressive 365 days in theatres. In 2016, his banner also produced his son's debut movie, 'Jaguar'.

In the latest episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, HDK sheds light on his alliance with the BJP and his past connections with the Gandhi family. He dismisses Congress' accusations of being the BJP's 'B-team'. He also talks about his father's relationship with PM Modi and how it influenced both parties to ally.

HDK touches on the topic of succession within the party and who will lead after Deve Gowda. The former Chief Minister of Karnataka denies allegations of JD(S) merging with the BJP after the 2024 polls. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections are crucial for JD(S), which is facing decline and setbacks in its Vokkaliga stronghold.

Rajeev Gowda wears many hats - he is an academician, spokesperson, professor, and social worker. Formerly a Rajya Sabha MP, he is now a Congress candidate for the Bengaluru North Lok Sabha constituency, a Vokkaliga stronghold. He is contesting against BJP's Shobha Karandlaje, also a Vokkaliga.

Currently, Rajeev serves as Chairman of the Congress Research Department. Previously, he was the Director of the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India and chaired the Centre for Public Policy at IIM Bangalore, teaching various courses.

In a recent episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Rajeev discusses Congress' prospects in Karnataka for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He dismisses the existence of a 'Modi wave' in the state and predicts that Congress will secure double-digit seats.

Rajeev proposes a 'National Election Fund' scheme to replace electoral bonds, which have been banned following a Supreme Court verdict. He accuses the BJP of engaging in divisive politics in Karnataka, emphasizing religious polarization of vote banks.

Additionally, he highlights the water crisis and traffic issues in Bengaluru. Rajeev responds to allegations that Congress is anti-majoritarian and expresses concern about the state of democracy in the country. He believes that an opposition alliance in India will help safeguard democracy.

Tejasvi Surya, the dynamic BJP MP representing Bengaluru South in the 17th Lok Sabha is also the President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha since September 26, 2020. At just age 33, the youngest BJP MP in the 17th Lok Sabha is a captivating speaker, and a fitness enthusiast.

Tejasvi holds a Bachelor of Academic Law and an LLB from Bangalore Institute of Legal Studies and is proficient in Carnatic music. His NGO, Arise India, is dedicated to enhancing school education.

In this episode of the Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tejasvi delves into the hot topics of the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls, the political landscape of South India, the pressing Bengaluru water crisis, and the BJP's stance on preserving local languages and cultures. For the very first time he also speaks on airplane emergency door opening row.

As he marches towards the 18th Lok Sabha, Tejasvi faces challenge from Congress's Sowmya Reddy.

China's global influence has expanded rapidly, not only economically but also through its extensive networks of technology, and information dissemination, triggering street protests across the world, like Black Lives Matter in the US and pro-Palestine protests in Europe.

This episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash was recorded at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi in February 2024. The expert panel discusses how China's influence extends to regions where street protests have erupted over social justice issues or geopolitical tensions.

The expert panel for this episode includes James Carafano, Vice President of Davis Institute for National Security & Foreign Policy, USA and Gladden Pappin, President of Hungarian Institute of International Affairs.

The two foreign policy experts also discuss how international media by and large is also succeptible to these networks.

Rajnath Singh is serving as the 29th Defence Minister of India since 2019. He is also the Deputy Leader of the House of the BJP since May 30, 2019. Singh also held the post of BJP President from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 to 2014. Additionally, He served as the 19th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 2000 to 2002.

In the latest edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rajnath Singh discusses the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls and whether the INDIA alliance will make any difference or not. The Defence Minister also addresses India’s relations with its neighbours, Pakistan and China, highlighting the ongoing border disputes.

Rajnath Singh also became emotional recalling his experiences during the 1975 Emergency period when he was imprisoned for 18 months for voicing dissent. He mentions being denied bail to visit his mother, who was on her deathbed due to a brain haemorrhage.

The Defence Minister expressed his belief in fostering good relations with Pakistan only if they take effective measures to combat terrorism, offering assistance to Islamabad in this regard. He also responds to reports suggesting India’s involvement in alleged plots to carry out assassinations on foreign soil, specifically in Pakistan and Canada.

Rajnath Singh further reflects on his tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, noting the challenges during a period when no Chief Minister was able to complete their term in the state of U.P