ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

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

Pankaj Saran is a well-known figure in Indian diplomacy, having served as Ambassador to Russia and Bangladesh, Deputy National Security Adviser, and in the PMO under Dr Manmohan Singh. He has also been posted at the Indian mission in Washington, D.C.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he talks about Trump’s tariffs on India. He explains how India can protect its interests and sovereignty. He shares his views on the Russia–Ukraine war and the chances of a ceasefire. Ambassador speaks about attacks on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh. He also talks about the future of democracy in Dhaka. Furthermore, He explains the role of the NSA and Deputy NSA in the matter of National Security.Audio Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction00:46 – Trump–Putin Alaska Meet07:19 – Why Russia–Ukraine Ceasefire Matters to Trump09:02 – Future of Indo–US Friendship11:27 – Why India Matters to Europe13:12 – How India Should Deal with Trump16:08 – India & America’s War Policy21:02 – Why Target India Over Russian Oil?26:49 – Munir’s Nuke Threat to India from the US35:10 – US Growing Closer to Pakistan42:13 – China’s Stance on Munir’s US Trips46:08 – Russia–India Ties50:36 – Where Does the Quad Stand?57:11 – Hasina’s Exit & the Bangladesh Crisis01:04:38 – Undoing Hasina’s Pakistan Policy01:06:22 – Life as Ambassador vs Deputy NSA01:07:57 – Diplomats in the US vs India01:09:54 – Ajit Doval & Brijesh Mishra as NSAs01:12:24 – Do NSAs Disagree with the PM?01:14:07 – 26/11’s Impact on Manmohan Singh01:18:12 – Why 26/11 Didn’t Change India’s Security Stance01:23:13 – PM–NSA Chemistry and Its Impact

Sanjaya Baru is a former journalist, author, political commentator, policy analyst, and was media advisor to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. His book 'The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh' created quite a stir in India’s political circles. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he talks about his latest book, 'Secession of the Successful: The Flight Out of New India'. The book explores why wealthy Indians are moving abroad, the brain drain that has been taking place since the late 1990s, and the consequences this could have for India’s future.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Reverse Migration of Overseas Indians05:28 – Phases of Migration from India08:12 – Policy Lessons for India11:23 – Brain Drain in India16:32 – Push for Return Migration24:52 – Indian Industries Investing Abroad32:34 – NRIs Returning to India35:17 – Global Capability Centres in India40:13 – Road to Viksit Bharat 204750:56 – Overseas Voters Return to India58:22 – PM Modi’s Diaspora Shift1:02:16 – Media Perception of ANI1:12:05 – Taxes Behind Rich Leaving India?1:14:45 – Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Views on Diaspora1:20:08 – Anecdotes on Dr. Manmohan Singh

Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen is the Ambassador of Denmark to India. Ambassador Kristensen has previously served as Denmark’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and ASEAN from 2017 to 2020.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ambassador Kristensen speaks about supporting a rules-based order rather than one where big powers dictate to smaller nations, while addressing Trump’s 50% tariff on India.He reaffirms the EU’s stance against support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, while commenting on India’s continued oil imports from Russia.He also explained that negotiations on the EU-India trade deal are in their final stagesTimestamps00:00 – Introduction00:57 – Trump’s ‘Dead Economy’ Remark01:42 – EU-India Trade Deal04:17 – Lessons for India from US-EU Trade Deal05:48 – EU Exporters & India’s Tariff Barriers10:40 – EU’s Stand on India-Russia Oil Trade14:51 – China-Russia Tues15:50 – Denmark’s Support for Op Sindoor18:09 – Green Strategic Partnership22:33 – Danish Companies’ Investment in India26:46 – India as Counterbalance to China in Asia28:40 – Denmark’s View on India’s UNSC Bid30:32 – Ease of Doing Business in India34:54 – India-Denmark Strategic Ties38:39 – Denmark’s Role in Ganga Rejuvenation44:39 – Ambassador’s Bucket List for India

Priya Kaushal is a forensic psychologist who supported the legal defense team of Lt Col. Prasad Purohit with forensic and procedural insights.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, she exposes critical lapses in the 2008 Malegaon blast investigation. She highlights the challenges of evidence, justice, and coercion in the case.She explains how forensic protocols were ignored at a heavily contaminated crime scene, raising serious concerns about investigative bias, concerns later acknowledged by the court.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction02:06 – Forensic Psychology & Lt Col Purohit’s Case06:17 – RDX Analysis in the Malegaon Blast17:18 – Where Was the RDX Stored?23:34 – How Lt Col Purohit Was Cleared26:56 – Who Contaminated the Evidence?36:19 – Clean Component vs RDX42:45 – RDX & Bomb-Making44:36 – Why Not a Suicide Blast?49:36 – The RDX Assumption in Blasts52:37 – Blast Bike Linked to Sadhvi Pragya?1:02:28 – Forensics vs Eyewitnesses1:03:32 – Witness Flip After Government Change1:06:53 – Grey Areas in Military Conduct1:09:02 – Approach to Purohit’s Innocence1:10:40 – Alleged Torture of Lt Col Purohit1:13:19 – Support for the Innocent1:15:59 – Psychopathology in the Lt Col Purohit Case1:22:48 – Voice Matches1:22:53 – Technology Used in Voice Identification1:26:17 – Was the Analyst Untrained?1:28:41 – Media Trial in the Malegaon Case1:30:49 – Similar Cases to the Malegaon Case1:36:32 – Psychopathic Mindset Explained1:40:29 – Mental Fatigue & Burnout1:45:07 – Psychology of Mass Murderers1:46:25 – Can Narco Tests Be Defeated?1:51:04 – Mental State After Acquittal1:54:02 – Who Really Did the Malegaon Blast?

Suhel Seth is a brand guru, author, columnist, and television pundit who can speak without pause on almost any topic. Omesh Saigal is an IITian who joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1964. He has served at every level of governance, from Block Development Officer to Chief Secretary of Delhi and Secretary in the Central Government.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss the real reasons behind the crumbling infrastructure in Indian cities. Floods, traffic, garbage, and pollution have become the new normal. India’s crown jewels, Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, face these issues year after year.What needs to change? And how do images of waterlogged roads and piles of garbage harm the 'Brand India' image?00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Urban Apathy 08:16 – Lack of Urban Planning 16:17 – Bureaucracy & Urban Planning Gaps 20:44 – Media Coverage of Urban Issues 22:18 – Tech Impact on City Planning 25:19 – Infrastructure Gap in Metro Cities 26:49 – Bangalore’s Traffic Problem 30:20 – Environmental Damage in Hill Stations 33:44 – Influx of Migrants into Cities 35:54 – Community Action on Urban Problems 40:42 – Stray Dog Attacks 47:03 – Problem with RWAs 48:35 – Who’s Accountable for Urban Decay? 51:43 – Rahul & Trump’s Economy Jab 58:50 – New Wave of Emigration 1:02:47 – Stray Dog Care and Colony Policies

Ajeet Bharti is a YouTuber, author, and journalist known for his outspoken views on the BJP and its policies. Pradeep Bhandari is the national spokesperson of the BJP, a psephologist, and a former journalist.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the two discuss a common allegation: Is the BJP becoming the new Congress? They also discuss what the Modi government has achieved in the last 11 years, and whether life has actually become easier for India’s middle class.The conversation also touches on the upcoming Bihar elections, Rahul Gandhi’s political strategy, and the role of Prashant Kishor in Bihar's politics.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:42 – 11 Years of Modi Sarkar05:53 – Life Becomes Easier for the Middle Class?08:52 – BJP Too Dependent on Modi?10:10 – What Do BJP Supporters Feel Today?15:26 – Modi’s Political Momentum23:10 – PM Modi's Fan Base29:21 – BJP MPs & MLAs Missing on the Ground?32:22 – How BJP Handles Negative Feedback35:55 – When Police Came to Ajeet Bharti’s House43:15 – Rahul Gandhi’s Leadership52:02 – Kanhaiya Kumar and Bihar Elections55:00 – Modi vs Rahul: Who Connects More with the Public?1:08:16 – Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Resignation1:12:56 – Prashant Kishor’s Role in Bihar Polls1:21:36 – Bihar’s Migration and Debt Issues1:26:40 – Indore’s Poha-Jalebi & Swachh Bharat Success1:34:13 – Bond with Hometowns1:39:09 – Why the Youth Feel Disconnected from Politics

Samir Saran is the President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India’s leading think tank based in New Delhi. He is a well-known voice in the field of diplomacy and is also the curator of the Raisina Dialogue. Samir has written several books and focuses his research on global governance, climate policy, and India’s foreign relations.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he explains how India should deal with US President Donald Trump. He also talks about Operation Sindoor and why it doesn't matter if no country openly supported India.Samir shares why Pakistan continues to maintain strong ties with both the US and China. He also discusses what New Delhi needs to do to become a 10 trillion-dollar economy, including building strong trade ties with China, while staying firm and strategic at the border.He also reflects on how India’s foreign policy has changed over the last decade, and what the road ahead looks like.*Timestamps*00:00 – Introduction00:46 – Global Support for India During Op Sindoor14:22 – Op Sindoor Outreach With All-Party Delegations17:54 – Trump’s Transactional Approach19:56 – India and the Trump Administration21:51 – EU–India Trade Deal24:32 – Weaponisation of Trade32:36 – India’s Global South Outreach38:14 – When China Overtook India44:26 – China–Pakistan Relations50:26 – Russia–India–China Grouping54:59 – AI’s Economic Impact59:36 – Trump–Asim Munir Meet1:14:32 – Pressure on India Over Russian Oil1:17:02 – On His Book ‘GeoTechnoGraphy’

Ami Ganatra is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA). Her books 'Mahabharata Unravelled' and 'Ramayana Unravelled' present the epics as they were originally written, without modern retellings or fictional twists. She explains their lessons and meanings in a clear, accessible manner, allowing readers of all backgrounds to understand and appreciate these ancient texts.In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ami Ganatra discusses the war lessons India can draw from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and how they resonate with modern military operations like Operation Sindoor. She explains how wars were fought in the epics, the importance of alliances, and also busts several myths surrounding the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Shri Ram.Timestamps00:00 – Coming Up01:36 – Introduction03:03 – Do Today’s Generation Know About the Ramayana?05:40 – Ramayana on TV vs Valmiki’s Ramayana09:44 – Is Ranbir Kapoor Fit to Play Lord Ram?14:10 – Why Do Actors Playing Lord Ram Face Backlash?15:49 – War Lessons from the Ramayana and Mahabharata26:55 – Ramcharitmanas Quote at Operation Sindoor Briefing32:52 – Why Alliances Mattered in Hindu Epics40:07 – Lessons from the Epics About Family Conflicts45:30 – Can There Be Peace After a War?47:13 – Aftermath of the Ramayana and Mahabharata01:03:54 – 'Agni Pariksha' for the Indian Armed Forces01:16:03 – Radhika Yadav Murder Case01:20:03 – When Maa Sita Gave Lord Ram His Own Agni Pariksha01:29:04 – How Can Future Wars Be Prevented?01:38:05 – The End of Fighting Doesn’t Mean the End of War01:40:10 – History vs Mythology

Pappu Yadav is an independent MP from Bihar’s Purnia. He has been elected to the Lok Sabha six times and has been active in politics since the 1990s. He spent 12 years in jail in the Ajit Sarkar murder case, but was later acquitted. In 2015, he launched his party, the Jan Adhikar Party, which was merged into the Congress in 2024. He is known for his ‘Robinhood’ image, often seen helping the underprivileged and giving financial aid to those in need.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pappu Yadav discusses his deep affection for the Congress party and explains why the party refuses to acknowledge his long-standing support. He defends the 'bahubali' tag often attached to him, claiming that many of the cases against him were politically motivated.He also shares his views on Pakistan’s founder, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the issue of infiltration in Bihar, and his opinion on Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishor.00:00 – Introduction01:04 – Pappu Yadav joining Jan Suraaj?03:28 – Manmohan Singh's Tenure in UPA 207:31 – Family Background15:44 – Manmohan Singh and Indo-US Nuclear Deal19:26 – Congress and Jagjivan Ram24:40 – Cases Against Pappu Yadav30:47 – Doctors vs Pappu Yadav32:44 – Higher Education in Bihar36:22 – Remarks on Jinnah39:55 – 'Robinhood of Bihar'43:38 – Muslim-Yadav Equation in Bihar48:18 – 'Jungle Raj' Debate55:56 – Impact of Op Sindoor on 2025 Bihar Polls1:03:48 – Rising Crime Rate in Bihar1:12:38 – Congress Leadership in Bihar1:26:17 – AIMIM & Mahagathbandhan Talk1:28:17 – Denied Entry to Rahul's Van Row1:33:07 – Purulia Arms Drop Case1:35:41 – Snap Reaction Segment