ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash Asian News International (ANI)

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.

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