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Avinash Dharmadhikari is a renowned Indian bureaucrat, author, and educator, celebrated for his contributions to public service and youth empowerment. A former IAS officer from Maharashtra, Dharmadhikari resigned from his prestigious post in 1996, choosing to dedicate his career to educating and mentoring the next generation of civil service aspirants and social leaders. Known for his deep commitment to societal transformation, he founded the Chanakya Mandal Pariwar, an institution aimed at nurturing aspiring civil servants through a blend of values-based education and rigorous training. Dharmadhikari is also an accomplished writer, and his works include Aswastha Dashakanchi Diary, a popular Marathi book chronicling his journey and reflections on India's social and administrative challenges.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Avinash Dharmadhikari opens up about the challenging realities of the UPSC exams and shares why he left the civil services to focus on politics and education. Reflecting on his role in Anna Hazare's Anti-Corruption Movement, he discusses his subsequent disillusionment with the Aam Aadmi Party and later with the Shiv Sena. Dharmadhikari also gives his perspective on the current political landscape in Maharashtra, analyzing why the Mahayuti alliance struggled to create a more significant impact in the state in the 2024 General Elections.
In this candid conversation, Avinash Dharmadhikari further explores Vir Savarkar's role in India’s independence movement, and explains Savarkar's vision of Hindutva.
0:00 - Introduction
0:45 - Quitting Civil Services
6:22 - Contesting Elections
9:00 - Anna Hazare's Anti-Corruption Movement
14:30 - Corruption in UPSC Selection Process?
17:03 - Importance of 'Character Building' for UPSC Aspirants
21:40 - Disillusion with Shiv Sena
26:10 - Savarkar's Role in Indian Freedom Struggle
32:49 - Where Does Loyalty of Civil Servants Lie?
35:27 - Mahayuti's Poor Performance in 2024 Lok Sabha Polls
41:43 - Foreign Interference in 2024 General Elections?
44:30 - Indian Youth Disillusioned with Media & Governance?
47:10 - Increasing Tolerance for Corruption Among Politicians
51:13 - Flaws in Indian Democracy?
54:15 - Reservation Protests & Farmer Suicides in Maharashtra
59:00 - Importance of Rural Development Projects
1:00:43 - Rising Trend of Civil Servants Entering Politics
1:03:13 - Dark Side of UPSC Coaching Institutes
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Manisha Koirala is a renowned Nepali-Indian actress known for her exceptional talent and versatility in Hindi, Nepali, and South Indian cinema. Born in Kathmandu, she comes from a prominent Nepali political family. Manisha has delivered some powerful performances in iconic films like Bombay, 1942: A Love Story, Dil Se, and Khamoshi: The Musical. Known for her skill in portraying deep and complex characters, she returned to the spotlight with the OTT series Heeramandi, earning significant critical acclaim.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, veteran actress Manisha Koirala opens up about her journey in Bollywood, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from her acclaimed films such as 1942: A Love Story, Khamoshi, Dil Se, Bombay, and Heeramandi. She reflects on her experiences within the industry, discussing the ways Bollywood has evolved over the years.
A cancer survivor, Manisha speaks on her advocacy for cancer awareness, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment. She also shares her thoughts on spirituality and the central role of family in her life.
0:00 - Introduction
0:40 - The Cult of '1942: A Love Story'
5:25 - The Story Behind 'Khamoshi'
7:35 - Behind the Scenes of 'Heeramandi'
10:50 - How Bollywood Changed Over the Years
16:18 - The 'Bombay' Controversy
19:27 - The Original 'Dil Se' Plot
24:50 - The Making of 'Heeramandi'
30:00 - Battling with Cancer
37:12 - The Legacy of Koirala Family
45:10 - Navigating Through Bollywood
49:25 - Friendships & Relationships
51:33 - A Director's Actor
53:43 - Political Volatility in Nepal
58:22 - The Massacre of Nepal’s Royal Family
1:00:38 - Role of Spirituality
1:01:41 - Raising Cancer Awareness
1:05:17 - The Importance of Therapy
1:07:00 - Speaking Up on Women's Issues
1:09:38 - Nepal's Human Trafficking Crisis
1:10:50 - Mantra & Goals
1:11:46 - The Importance of Family
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Get ready for the much-awaited episode of the 'Real' Samosa Caucus!
Edition 4.0 is here and it's all about raw, uncensored, no-holds-barred discussions.
Joining the chat are:
Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow at ORF
Tehseen Poonawalla, TV personality and political analyst
Anand Ranganathan, author and scientist
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies
This episode dives into some heated topics, including:
The India-Canada spat over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
The rise of Khalistani elements under Trudeau’s watch
Did India send an agent to take out Khalistani separatist Pannun in the USA?
The panel also digs into why exit polls keep missing the mark on voter sentiment and Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu's call for more babies—what's behind it? And much more.
Don't miss the witty banter in this episode!
00:00 - Introduction & Message to Viewers
03:14 - Samosa Caucus Returns
08:43 - Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Killing
15:40 - Israel-Iran War Escalation
16:45 - Impact of Cancel Culture
19:06 - Canada-India Diplomatic Crisis
27:14 - Canada Harbouring Criminals?
33:42 - U.S. Sheltering 'K-Backer' Pannun
36:54 - Did India Disown Vikas Yadav over 'Kill Pannun' plot?
46:39 - BRICS 2024 & India-China Relations
55:00 - Pakistan's Bid to Join BRICS
1:01:25 - Exit Polls' Flop Show
1:07:34 - Mainstream Media Losing Credibility?
1:15:34 - Ola's Business Model
1:23:38 - Samosa Caucus 5.0 in Goa?
1:25:04 - J&K Assembly Elections 2024
1:31:29 - Stalin Demands 'Tamil Name' for Kids
1:33:39 - Aging Population Issue in South India
1:40:34 - Inter-State Migration
1:50:11 - 'Batenge to Katenge' Row
2:06:14 - Uber's MOU with IAF
2:19:48 - Maharashtra Assembly Polls
2:28:14 - Why Congress Lost Haryana
2:31:34 - 'Flop' Exit Poll
2:32:47 - Favorite OTT Shows
2:38:14 - Luxury Apartments
2:43:52 - Resolutions for 2025
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In recent months, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a surge in attacks, with police encountering new strategies from terrorists. Who is fueling this renewed terror, and how can armed forces respond? To answer all these questions, we have former top cop Shesh Paul Vaid, who has witnessed the rise of militancy firsthand and the evolving landscape of J&K. He shares insights from his personal experiences, including surviving an attack, the release of Masood Azhar, and attributing recent violence to Pakistan’s influence.
Shesh Paul Vaid, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has served as one of Jammu and Kashmir's most respected top cops. Known for his dedication and resilience, Vaid led the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) as Director General (DGP) during a critical period marked by heightened militancy and security challenges. His tenure saw numerous counter-insurgency operations aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. He also worked to strengthen community policing initiatives to foster trust with local communities.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, former Jammu and Kashmir top cop Shesh Paul Vaid discusses the recent surge in terror attacks in the region. He shares insights into the terrorists' modus operandi and the strategies they use to incite violence in the Valley. Vaid also reflects on the release of Masood Azhar during his tenure, describing it as an embarrassing moment for the country. Additionally, he recounts a near-death experience when his convoy was ambushed by 17 terrorists, as well as the circumstances surrounding the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.
00:00 - Introduction
00:45 - IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack
08:44 - Masood Azhar's Release
22:20 - Kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed
25:14 - 'First' Wave of Militancy in Kashmir
30:36 - Aftermath of Burhan Wani Killing
39:44 - Public Safety Act
42:44 - Operation All-Out in J&K
44:26 - Hanging of Afzal Guru
51:09 - Hurriyat hypocrisy
57:24 - When 17 Terrorists Attacked SP Vaid
1:04:54 - 'Special' Treatment for Syed Ali Shah Geelani
1:07:07 - Mast Gul's Escape from Charar-e-Sharief Shrine
1:10:32 - J&K Security Situation in the '90s
1:12:18 - Exodus of Kashmiri Pandits
1:22:34 - Contribution & Sacrifices of J&K Police
1:29:26 - Modus Operandi of Recent Terror Attacks in J&K
1:38:05 - J&K Assembly Elections 2024
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New Delhi-Ottawa relations have reached an all-time low after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian government officials and diplomats in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a figure who was designated as a terrorist in India and placed on Canada’s no-fly list.
Both countries have since expelled top envoys and other diplomats as tensions over Nijjar's killing escalate. Trudeau accused India of interfering in Canada’s sovereignty, while India dismissed his claims as baseless and absurd.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sanjay Kumar Verma, the recalled Indian High Commissioner to Canada, shares his perspective on Canada’s handling of Sikh extremist elements, which he believes is influenced by vote-bank politics.
Verma also explains why Trudeau has refrained from taking action against Khalistani figures who are wanted in India for serious crimes. He shares personal accounts of the challenges he and his family faced in Canada. Verma stresses that a small group of Khalistani elements has hijacked the narrative and that the majority of Sikhs do not support the Khalistan movement.
Watch this episode to understand how the Canadian government addresses Khalistani extremism and why some believe it has given them a free hand.
0:00 - Coming Up
1:12 - Introduction
2:02 - India-Canada Diplomatic Row
8:40 - What Canadians Think of India
12:00 - Nijjar Killing Probe
16:44 - Bishnoi Gang Link to Nijjar Killing
21:07 - Trudeau's Allegations Against New Delhi
23:56 - MEA's Strong Response to Canada
27:00 - Threats & Attacks against Envoy Sanjay Verma
35:34 - Attacks on Diplomats in Western Countries
39:47 - Indian Journalists Accused of Foreign Interference
45:22 - Lawrence Bishnoi
51:00 - Trudeau Harbouring Khalistani Elements
55:33 - 'Fake' Asylum Claims in Canada
59:06 - India: A 'Rogue' Nation?
1:01:30 - Will India-Canada Ties Improve?
1:04:05 - Pakistan-Khalistan Ties?
1:05:05 - What's Next for Envoy Sanjay Verma
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Annu Kapoor is an entertainer who has worn many hats—actor, singer, director, producer, radio jockey, and television presenter—earning immense respect and recognition worldwide. He became a household name through iconic television shows like Antakshari and Wheel Smart Srimati.
Known for speaking his mind, Annu Kapoor has appeared in over 100 films and numerous television shows. He has been honoured with two National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award, and two Indian Television Academy Awards.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Annu Kapoor delves into his thoughts on nationalism. He expresses his belief that most Indians do not truly love their country and also opens up on atheism.
Kapoor shares anecdotes about legends from the film industry, including a vivid recount of Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar’s wedding, and reflects on a spat with Amitabh Bachchan. He also reveals an intriguing episode from the sets of 7 Khoon Maaf, alleging that Priyanka Chopra refused to kiss him because he wasn’t a 'hero.'
Tune in to this episode as Kapoor shares his flair for 'shayari' and performs a 300-year-old rap in his signature style.
00:00 - Introduction
01:44 - Upcoming projects
04:37 - Early life struggles
16:42 - Patriotism vs. Nationalism
21:37 - Early days in Bollywood
33:10 - Why he avoids watching films & news
34:33 - National Awards
37:05 - Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita
39:19 - True meaning of 'Deshbhakti'
43:59 - Publicity stunts
46:30 - Punctuality & Discipline
49:02 - Why was Wheel Smart Srimati scrapped?
53:40 - Learning discipline from Islam
55:27 - Brihadaranyaka Upanishad teachings
58:52 - Love, religion, and honour killings
1:02:14 - The story of 'Bharat'
1:04:34 - Annu 'Google' Kapoor
1:10:14 - Relationship with parents
1:13:48 - 'Kiss' controversy with Priyanka Chopra
1:20:14 - Shabana Azmi & Javed Akhtar's wedding
1:22:14 - Darr shoot
1:25:14 - Story behind India's independence
1:29:58 - World's 'oldest' rap song
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Krishnamurthy Venkata Subramanian served as the 17th Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021, becoming the youngest to hold this prestigious position.Subramanian's tenure as the Chief Economic Adviser was marked by his contributions to shaping India's economic policies during crucial years, including the Covid-19 pandemic. He is now India's Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he continues to represent India on global economic matters.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Prof. Subramanian delves into the critical role of wealth creators in driving India’s economic progress, explaining why they are the backbone of a thriving economy. He emphasizes the importance of balancing economic policies to encourage entrepreneurship while also addressing income inequality.Subramanian doesn’t shy away from discussing the systemic challenges facing the country, including the pressing need for judicial reforms to address backlogs that hamper business operations and economic efficiency. He also touches on the impact of India's increasing digital transactions on economic transparency and efficiency. Additionally, he discusses how spirituality and mindfulness can serve as tools for personal growth, especially in the fast-paced world of economics.00:00 - Introduction01:00 - India @100 Book05:41 - India's Projected Economic Growth10:35 - Wealth Creators15:25 - Slow Growth of Small Businesses25:03 - India's Agricultural Policies32:55 - Importance of Economic Reforms41:27 - Signs of a Good Economy47:23 - The Willful Defaulter Phenomenon51:45 - Need for Judicial Reforms1:00:02 - India's Digital Boom1:06:29 - Lessons from Demonetisation1:11:32 - India's Job Market1:18:25 - Responsibility of State Govts. in Job Creation1:21:35 - The Politics of Freebies1:34:22 - Snap Reaction Segment1:45:39 - Remembers His Father & Family1:57:04 - Economic Challenges During the Pandemic2:05:39 - Spirituality & Mindfulness2:08:45 - Importance of Reading
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John Chambers is the Chairman of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and the former CEO of Cisco. Under his leadership, Cisco became one of the world’s largest and most successful technology companies.
Dr. Mukesh Aghi is the President and CEO of USISPF. He works closely with business and government leaders in both the U.S. and India to promote trade and strengthen ties between the two nations.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss the evolution of India-U.S. relations over the past 15 years. John Chambers expresses strong confidence in India, saying that this decade and century belong to New Delhi. Dr. Mukesh Aghi shares a similar view, noting that the ties between India and the U.S. are on an upward trajectory, unaffected by changes in political leadership.
They also address the recent tensions between India and Canada over the Khalistan issue and its potential impact on businesses and students. Both guests praise Prime Minister Modi for fostering an environment in which entrepreneurship and startups have flourished in the past decade.
00:00 - Introduction
00:44 - India’s Century
03:49 - India: Then vs. Now
04:55 - India-Canada Spat
10:00 - U.S. Presidential Election
12:08 - India vs. China Economy
14:10 - India: A Tough Negotiator
16:54 - The Future of AI
20:15 - U.S.-China Tensions
22:30 - Middle East Conflict
25:00 - Tariffs & Migration in the USA
29:34 - India’s Chip Ambitions
33:34 - Business Prospects in India
37:31 - Indian vs. U.S. Investors
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Conrad Sangma is the Chief Minister of Meghalaya and a leader of the National People's Party (NPP). He began his political career as a campaign manager for his father, P.A. Sangma, a former Cabinet minister. After serving as an MLA and the Opposition Leader, he became the NPP President in 2016. Sangma was first elected Chief Minister in 2018 and was re-elected in 2023.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, CM Conrad Sangma discusses his alliance with the BJP, despite having the numbers to run the government independently. He addresses the beef ban issue, stating that people should not interfere with others' eating habits.
He also talks about the border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya in Mukroh. Further, Meghalaya CM Sangma shares his thoughts on the Uniform Civil Code and its potential impact on the region. He also discusses the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and One Nation, One Election.
He explains Meghalaya's economy and a government lottery scheme designed to increase revenue. Additionally, he highlights the drug problem in the Northeast and how tourism can contribute to economic growth. He also compares the Look East policy, which was upgraded to the Act East policy in 2014 by the Modi government.
00:00 - Introduction
01:25 - Legacy of P.A. Sangma
02:55 - Congress sidelined P.A. Sangma?
08:28 - Formation of NPP
11:12 - BJP-NPP Alliance
15:14 - Beef Ban Row
20:25 - Assam-Meghalaya Border Dispute
26:50 - UCC
28:50 - CAA-NRC Impact in NE States
31:17 - One Nation, One Election
33:36 - NPP to Expand in Other States?
35:05 - UPA's Neglect of the NE
40:04 - Bangladesh Crisis: Security Risks for Meghalaya
43:20 - Meghalaya's Economy
47:36 - Government Lottery Scheme
53:38 - Northeast's Drug Problem
1:02:05 - Tourism in Meghalaya
1:10:28 - Manipur Crisis Impact on Meghalaya
1:15:10 - Snap Reaction
1:33:25 - CM 'Cool'
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Revant Himatsingka is on a mission to encourage Indians to read food labels. His goal is to educate people about what they're consuming and to protect them from 'misleading' marketing tactics. By challenging FMCG giants, he aims to improve the quality of food products available in India.
Originally from Kolkata, Revant moved to New York to study finance. He later earned an MBA from Wharton and completed a course in nutrition.
In the latest episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Revant explains his decision to return to India to raise awareness about the importance of reading food labels before making purchases. He has initiated the campaign 'Label Padhega India' to inform people about the effects of processed and packaged foods on their health.
He also discusses what the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) can do to improve public awareness. Revant's mission is to spark a health revolution in India by revealing how FMCG companies often sell substandard products domestically while providing higher-quality goods in European markets. Additionally, he shares personal anecdotes about the sacrifices he is making in his battle against these large corporations.
00:00 - Introduction
00:52 - Conscious Capitalism Meaning
02:08 - What is FMCG?
08:02 - 'Label Padhega India' Campaign
11:38 - Food Labels
26:20 - Baby Food in India vs. Europe
31:14 - Biscuits vs. Chocolates
41:18 - India: Food 'Dumping Ground'
46:20 - India vs. Singapore: Food Product Regulations
47:57 - What should FSSAI do?
55:13 - How to Read Food Labels
58:28 - Health Literacy in India
1:10:23 - Frozen Dessert vs. Ice Cream
1:14:28 - Choosing Food Products
1:25:02 - Next Goal
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It has been one year since Hamas launched a significant attack against Israel, which was one of the deadliest incidents in recent history. Over 1000 were killed, and over 250 people were taken hostage. In response, Israel initiated ground operations in Gaza, resulting in hundreds of casualties and continuing strikes.
Amid this conflict, Israel has opened two new fronts in the war. They have targeted the entire Hezbollah leadership, including its chief, Hassan Nasrallah. This move has provoked a strong reaction from Iran, which launched over 180 missiles toward Israel.
How Israel will respond and whether it will consider attacking Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities. The outcome of these events could significantly alter the landscape of the Middle East.
In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.), former General Officer Commanding of the Army Training Command and an expert in counter-insurgency operations, along with Lt. Col. Pavithran Rajan, a former intelligence operative, academician, and tech entrepreneur.
They discuss whether the U.S. will support Israel in attacking Iranian facilities and what lessons India can learn from the Israel-Iran conflict. They also delve into Israel's unique Pager Attack and how AI is transforming modern warfare. They also talk about the role of Russia and China in the Middle East.
00:00 - Introduction
02:35 - Israel’s 3-Front War
04:35 - Israel's Pager Attack
11:25 - Killing of Hassan Nasrallah
20:50 - Russia’s Role in the Middle East
30:25 - Persian Civilization
37:32 - China’s Stand on the Israel War
41:42 - China vs. Taiwan
44:39 - Regime Change in Iran
59:17 - India's Role in the Middle East
1:02:50 - How AI is Changing Warfare
1:10:43 - What is AI Assassination
1:20:45 - Weaponization of Social Media
1:26:24 - Private Players in Defence Sector
1:30:44 - Lessons for India
1:40:10 - China Leading in Manufacturing
1:44:54 - Should India Embrace AI?
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The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are taking place for the first time in a decade, following the abrogation of Article 370. What role will Jammu play—can it be a kingmaker in government formation? How do the people of Jammu feel about the abrogation of Article 370? Is there a possibility for J&K to have a Hindu Chief Minister?
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by two seasoned journalists from Jammu, Manoj Kaul and Arun Joshi, who have extensively covered the region for decades.
They predict an edge for the National Conference (NC), forecasting a hung assembly where government formation is unlikely without the support of Congress or NC. The journalists highlight how Jammu can play a key role as a kingmaker in the upcoming elections.
They discuss the issue of restoring statehood, which remains a major concern for voters. Additionally, the two journalists examine the participation of former Jamaat leaders in these elections and consider the potential success of Engineer Rashid's party in the J&K polls. Watch the episode for an in-depth discussion on the future of Jammu and Kashmir politics.
00:00 - Introduction
00:50 - J&K Polls: Now vs Before
09:11 - Jamaat Factor in J&K Polls
14:54 - Engineer Rashid's Role
24:27 - Jammu Being Neglected
30:13 - Altaf Bukhari & Ghulam Nabi Azad
35:36 - Will BJP Sweep Jammu?
43:40 - Reporting on J&K Polls
48:58 - Reporting on Stone Pelting
52:24 - Jammu vs. Kashmir Development
57:27 - Is Jammu a Kingmaker?
1:02:56 - Impact in Jammu: Modi vs. Rahul
1:09:16 - Dynasties in J&K Politics
1:13:33 - Ethnic Communities in J&K
1:17:48 - Post-Poll Alliances
1:22:15 - Article 370 in Jammu
1:25:55 - Outsiders in J&K Polls
1:30:43 - Jammu Statehood
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Rasheed Kidwai is a senior journalist, political analyst, and author known for his insights into Indian politics and the Congress party. He has written extensively about the Indian political system and is the author of notable books like 24 Akbar Road. Kidwai regularly contributes to national media outlets and appears on prime-time debates for various news channels.
Yana Mir is a journalist and political commentator from Jammu and Kashmir, known for her bold views on the abrogation of Article 370 and how it has changed the valley.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, journalists Rasheed Kidwai and Yana Mir discuss the assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. Kidwai highlights the anti-incumbency and local dissatisfaction with BJP leaders in Haryana. He also discusses the rift between Hooda and Selja and whether it could be a spoiler for the Congress party in the Haryana polls.
Yana Mir talks about the political scene in Kashmir, noting how locals are growing disillusioned with the Abdullah and Mufti dynasties. She discusses the rise of independent candidates in the valley and how Engineer Rashid is attracting voters’ attention.
They also highlight the media's influence in shaping narratives and the importance of these elections for the BJP and its allies in NDA 3.0.
00:00 – Introduction
01:53 – Haryana & J-K Polls
08:57 – Independent Candidates in J&K Polls
12:10 – Crowded J&K Poll Fray
16:53 – NC vs PDP Battle
20:30 – Corruption Issue in Polls
23:22 – The Modi Factor in J&K Polls
29:52 – Will BJP Sweep Jammu?
32:12 – Yana's Tweets Controversy
38:50 – Role of Media in Elections
47:38 – Foreign Diplomats' Visit to J&K
52:00 – People Upset with BJP in J&K?
53:32 – Congress' Prospects in J&K
58:07 – Rahul vs. Modi in Popularity
1:04:58 – Separatists in J&K Polls
1:09:17 – Labeling Media as the Villain
1:12:22 – Hindu-Muslim Issues in Polls
1:14:42 – 'Samvidhan Badal Denge' Row
1:22:52 – Is Media Still Powerful in India?
1:25:52 – Can AAP Spring a Surprise in Haryana?
1:27:52 – The Next CM of Jammu & Kashmir
1:31:43 – Impact of Election Results on NDA 3.0
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Ajay Chrungoo is a prominent Kashmiri Pandit and the Chairman of Panun Kashmir, an organization advocating for the rights and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. He is known for speaking about the challenges faced by the Pandit community in the 1990s due to the insurgency in the Valley.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ajay Chrungoo discusses the demand for a separate homeland, 'Panun Kashmir,' for Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu & Kashmir. He asserts that what happened in 1989-90 was a genocide against Kashmiri Pandits, not just a wave of migration.
He shares his personal story of being attacked by terrorists and fleeing the valley, leaving everything behind. Chrungoo also explains why many Pandits are calling for a boycott of the 2024 J&K Assembly Polls. He holds the BJP, Congress, and National Conference responsible for the attacks against Pandits, accusing them of playing a key role during that time.
(Thumbnail Picture Courtesy: Reuters)
00:00 - Introduction
00:57 - Kashmir: Then vs. Now
03:42 - What is Panun Kashmir
10:54 - Separate Territory for Pandits Demand
12:42 - What Kashmiri Pandits Want
15:25 - Politics Over Pandits
19:29 - Election 'Boycott' Call
26:00 - Pandits and Political Party
29:51 - Exodus Horror of 1989-1990
35:06 - Pandits Returning After Article 370
37:38 - Land for Panun Kashmir
39:05 - Who Can Help Kashmiri Pandits
43:12 - NC's Role in Pandits' Exodus
49:44 - How Many Pandits Were Killed in 90s
54:54 - Why Pandits Choose NOTA in Voting
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Tarun Chugh is a senior BJP leader, currently serving as the party's National General Secretary and in charge of Jammu & Kashmir. He has been strengthening the party's presence in Jammu and Kashmir for the past 30 years. His role in overseeing the BJP's activities in the region has made him an important figure in J&K's political landscape.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tarun Chugh expresses confidence that the BJP will form the government in Jammu & Kashmir without any support from regional parties like the NC or PDP. He sees the rise of independent candidates as a sign of changing times in the region and suggests that the end of militancy has been a turning point in the valley’s journey towards stability and growth.
Chugh also highlights how Prime Minister Modi’s development agenda has reshaped J&K after the abrogation of Article 370. He also talks about the party's commitment to Agniveers and assures that statehood will be restored, as promised by both PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
The discussion also covers the challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits, the return of peace and democracy to the region, and the BJP’s position on important issues like the Darbar Move and the controversial 1987 election rigging.
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Mir Junaid is a Kashmiri politician and social activist widely recognized for his strong support of the abrogation of Article 370 and his advocacy for peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir. As the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party, Mir Junaid has actively engaged in grassroots politics, with a focus on enhancing stability and fostering economic growth in the region. He is often seen as a strong supporter of India's sovereignty and integration of Jammu and Kashmir, and he has been instrumental in raising awareness about the challenges faced by the people in the valley. He is set to contest the upcoming J&K Assembly elections from the Langate constituency in Kupwara district.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Mir Junaid opens up about his decision to support the abrogation of Article 370 and aims the National Conference and People's Democratic Party, the two dominant political forces in Jammu and Kashmir. He accuses them of fueling violence in the region, claiming they exploited the emotions of the Kashmiri people for political gains. He also charges them with colluding with militants, often calling off military operations to protect insurgents, and blames them for the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits during the 1990s. Junaid emphasizes that his party, the Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party, is committed to fighting for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
Junaid also highlights the BJP's recent move to grant reservations to the region's ethnic minorities, fulfilling a longstanding demand. He also adds that this decision prompted his wife, Dr. Shehnaz Ganai's decision to join the BJP. He also recalls the incident when he was attacked by Pakistani nationals at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Firmly opposed to any dialogue with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, Junaid argues that a country responsible for decades of bloodshed in the valley should not be welcomed to the negotiating table.
00:00 - Introduction
01:02 - Supporting Abrogation of Article 370
05:25 - Exposing PDP & NC
09:44 - Rahul Gandhi's J&K Campaign
11:36 - NC-PDP Supported Militants?
13:30 - Kashmiri Pandits' Exodus
16:40 - Promise of 'Naya' Kashmir
17:59 - Politics of the Abdullahs
20:23 - BJP's Entry in J&K
22:47 - Fight for Statehood
24:23 - Who Will Form Govt. in J&K?
32:31 - Rise of Engineer Rashid
34:58 - ISI's Attack on Mir Junaid in USA
36:23 - Kashmir's Youth Voters
39:12 - Ethnic Minorities in J&K
43:32 - BJP Supporting Independent Candidates?
45:47 - Mir Junaid's Vision for Kashmir
48:12 - Election Promises
55:19 - Dr. Shehnaz Ganai's Move to Join BJP
57:27 - Should India Hold Dialogue with Pakistan?
59:07 - Security Situation in J&K
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Raman Bhalla is currently serving as the working president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee. A senior leader in the Jammu region, Raman Bhalla has been elected twice to the J&K Legislative Assembly from the Gandhinagar constituency and has also served as the revenue minister in the J&K government.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Raman Bhalla talks about who has the upper hand in the Jammu region and what has changed since the abrogation of Article 370. He also highlights key differences between the Congress and NC manifestos, NC's stance on Article 370, and the role of the PDP in the INDIA Bloc.
Bhalla alleges that the BJP is backing independent candidates in the Jammu and Kashmir elections. He also discusses the halting of the Darbar Move, a practice of shifting government offices between Jammu and Srinagar, and the impact this decision has had on the region. The conversation also covers security concerns, including the rise of terror attacks in Jammu and the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
00:00 - Introduction
00:39 - Political Situation in Jammu South
04:47 - Congress Manifesto Delayed
09:38 - Delimitation
13:34 - Congress vs NC Manifestos
16:35 - Normalcy Post Article 370
17:29 - 'Parivarvaad' in J&K Politics
21:22 - PDP's Role in the INDIA Bloc
23:55 - Independents in J&K Polls
25:47 - Halting of the Darbar Move
28:36 - Pak Interference in J&K
29:41 - Terror Attacks in Jammu Division
30:26 - Kashmiri Pandit Rehabilitation
38:20 - Who Will Win the J&K Polls?
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Devender Singh Rana is a prominent BJP leader from Jammu and Kashmir, and the BJP candidate from the Nagrota constituency in the upcoming J&K elections. Formerly a close aide of Omar Abdullah, Rana also served as the Provincial President of the Jammu wing of the National Conference and held several influential roles in public service. But in 2021, he made a strategic shift to the BJP. Since then, he has been instrumental in expanding the BJP's influence in Jammu, especially by addressing long-standing regional disparities. He is an outspoken advocate for Jammu’s political, economic, and cultural aspirations, continuously working to bridge the region’s development gap.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Devender Singh Rana explains his decision to leave the National Conference and join the BJP. He sheds light on Jammu & Kashmir's evolving political landscape and highlights the growing popularity of PM Modi, particularly in Jammu. Rana also talks about the restoration of peace in the region under PM Modi’s leadership. He also refutes NC’s claims that the BJP is backing 'independent' proxies from the Kashmir valley. Additionally, he accuses the NC-Congress alliance of seeking to abolish reservations in Jammu & Kashmir.
In this candid interview, Rana also addresses key issues in J&K, such as the effects of the Governor’s Rule, the rise in terror attacks in the Jammu region, the halt of the winter 'Darbar Move' from Srinagar to Jammu, and efforts to rehabilitate the Kashmiri Pandit community.
0:00 - Introduction
0:49 - Devender Rana Remembers Smita Prakash's Father
3:36 - NC Offered Support To BJP in 2014?
11:41 - Kashmir's Changing Political Landscape
17:11 - BJPs Alleged B-Teams in Kashmir
18:11 - Peace Restored in Kashmir Under PM Modi?
21:09 - Soft-Separatism in 'Naya Kashmir'
22:58 - Internal Dissatisfaction in Jammu BJP
26:21 - Modi Effect in Jammu
29:21 - Ram Madhav's Re-entry in J&K Politics
34:55 - Darbar Move
37:48 - Narrative Shift with Abrogation of Article 370
42:26 - Terror Attacks in Jammu Division
48:07 - Should India Open Talks with Pakistan?
49:31 - Jammu's Marginalization within J&K
55:01 - NC-Congress to Scrap Reservation in J&K?
57:13 - Problems with Governor's Rule
1:01:58 - Outsiders Getting Contracts in J&K?
1:08:34 - Kashmiri Pandits' Rehabilitation
1:11:41 - BJP Fielding Proxies in Kashmir?
1:14:15 - Dynamics in Political Families
1:17:01 - 'Real' Reason Behind Quitting NC
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This is a historic election in Jammu and Kashmir, the first assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. With more than 40% of the candidates running as independents, could they play the role of spoiler? Will any party secure a full majority? Who holds the real power in Kashmir? What are the prospects for the PDP and NC? And how has the abrogation of Article 370 changed the valley? Most importantly, what do the people of Kashmir want?
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by two seasoned journalists from Kashmir who have covered the valley extensively for decades. Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, a senior journalist, and Rashid Rahil, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Mail.
Ahmed Ali Fayyaz sees an edge for the NC, predicting a hung assembly, and believes government formation is unlikely without Congress or NC's help. Rashid Rahil believes the PDP is gearing up and could perform well. Both journalists also discuss how elections in Kashmir have evolved and how people vote.
They dive into the rigging of the 1987 elections and how it changed the valley forever. The conversation also touches on former Jamaat leaders contesting in these elections and what Engineer Rashid's party might achieve in the polls.
00:00 - Introduction
01:07 - Kashmir’s Political Dynamics
06:45 - NC’s Advantage in J&K Polls?
08:57 - NC-Congress Alliance
14:47 - Gupkar Alliance Collapse
20:52 - Kashmir’s Complex Alliances
26:18 - J&K Past Elections Rewind
37:10 - Farooq's Entry into J&K Politics
41:30 - Ex-Militants in Electoral Process
45:05 - Politics of Power
48:06 - Why is Omar Contesting from 2 Seats?
53:45 - Why is Mehbooba Mufti Not Contesting?
56:42 - From ‘Azadi’ to Democracy
01:04:14 - Pakistan’s Interference in J&K Polls
01:07:06 - Farooq Abdullah’s Legacy
01:08:30 - Why Omar Removed His Skull Cap
01:12:03 - Role of the LG in J&K
01:14:14 - Ram Madhav’s Gameplan
01:16:30 - Impact of Jammu Terror Attacks
01:19:30 - Anti-Modi Sentiment in J&K?
01:24:03 - Will Pandits Return to the Valley
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Talat Majid, an independent candidate from Pulwama backed by Jamaat-e-Islami, is emerging as a significant political figure in Jammu and Kashmir. With deep connections to the local community, Majid has been advocating for the people of Pulwama, pushing for solutions to key issues like unemployment, education, and the disenfranchisement of Kashmiri youth. His candidacy reflects Jamaat's continued influence in the region, particularly in its focus on socio-economic progress for the valley.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Talat Majid discusses why Jamaat-e-Islami has shifted its long-standing stance of boycotting elections and is now opting to engage in the electoral process. He points to Engineer Rashid's electoral win as a pivotal moment that influenced Jamaat’s decision and notes that he remains open to forming political alliances in the future.Majid also emphasizes the urgent need for improved education and employment opportunities in Kashmir, stressing that the region's youth are ready to take part in the upcoming elections. In addition, he tackles critical topics like the abrogation of Article 370, explaining the prevailing sentiment around it. He further addresses the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, asserting that only Jamaat-e-Islami can successfully bring Kashmiri Hindus back to the valley.
00:00 - Coming Up 01:16 - Introduction 02:42 - Pulwama Terror Attack 05:24 - Independent Candidates in J&K Elections11:58 - Omar Abdullah vs. Jamaat 17:02 - Election Boycotts in J&K19:40 - Moderates in Jamaat-e-Islami 24:24 - Ban on Jamaat-e-Islami 30:28 - Abrogation of Article 370 31:30 - Political Parties Uneasy with Engineer Rashid? 32:24 - Majid's Vision for Change 34:40 - BJP's Kashmir Narrative38:52 - Majid's Election Promises 44:02 - The 'Azadi' Sentiment 48:43 - Kashmiri Pandits Exodus51:40 - Politics of Fear in Kashmir54:13 - Which Party Will Jamaat-e-Islami Support?
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