ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash Asian News International (ANI)

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

Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is an eminent diplomat who has been serving as the Minister of External Affairs for the Government of India since May 30, 2019. Dr. Jaishankar has played a pivotal role in shaping India's diplomatic strategies, particularly amidst the dynamic shifts in global geopolitics. A member of the BJP, Dr. Jaishankar also serves as a Rajya Sabha MP, representing Gujarat.

Previously, he held the position of Foreign Secretary from January 2015 to January 2018. He is only the second Indian diplomat to be appointed as India's External Affairs Minister.
Over his extensive 38-year diplomatic tenure, he has held various positions both in the country and abroad. He was involved in negotiating the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement.

In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Jaishankar speaks about foreign media's influence in the 2024 Indian general elections, referring to them as the 'International Khan Market Gang.' He also talks about his journey from diplomat to politician and praises PM Modi for his farsighted policies.

Dr. Jaishankar also opens up about the Prajwal Revanna passport row, saying that the MEA acted promptly on the matter. He questions whether legal processes should be stalled to protect politicians. The External Affairs Minister also discusses 'Parivarvaad' (dynastic politics) in Indian politics, adding that it is fundamentally anti-democratic.

(0:00) Introduction0:52Election Campaigning
(1:43) Bureaucrat Turned Politician
(4:00) The 'India Story'7:18Expectation from EAM
(12:07) PM Modi's Work Culture
(17:27) BJP's '400 Paar' Target
(21:23) Is BJP Winning South?
(22:40) Mamata Banerjee
(25:51) Reservation Row
(28:51) Parivarvaad' & INDIA Alliance
(31:34) International Khan Market Gang'
(35:52) Farooq Abdullah’s Warning
(38:10) India's Reaction Post 26/11
(40:44) CMs Facing Agencies' Heat
(43:24) Prajwal Revanna Passport Row
(45:07) Nirav Modi & Mehul Choksi
(46:17) Humanitarian Aid
(49:09) Modi 3.0

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

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

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.

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.