The world's biggest festival of democracy is underway in India. Drama, spectacle, colour, jibes, and exuberant noise—India is witnessing everything. But what about its neighbours? How are they watching the Indian Election 2024? Who do they want in power: a strong independent government or a coalition one? How will the 2024 India General election shape neighbours' foreign policies? We will get all the answers.Joining this podcast are two esteemed experts, Ajay Bisaria and Tilak Devasher. Bisaria is a Distinguished Fellow at ORF. He served as the Indian High Commissioner to Canada and India's envoy to Pakistan, Poland, and Lithuania. He also authored the book "Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship Between India and Pakistan," which is discussed in the show.Tilak Devasher is the author of three widely acclaimed books on Pakistan. He retired as Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India in October 2014. He is currently a member of the National Security Advisory Board.In this episode, experts discuss how China is extending its trade ties with Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar, which pose high-risk points for Indian territories. They further talk about dealing with the Taliban government, terrorism of insurgent groups in Myanmar, and relations with the Pakistan government. And how should India deal with the New Maldivian government, which ran an 'India Out' Campaign.

Nara Chandrababu Naidu, also known as Chandrababu Naidu or CBN, is a veteran Indian politician who currently holds the position of the leader of the opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and has been the president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) since 1995.Chandrababu Naidu also served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1995 to 2004 and is acknowledged for his role in the development of Hyderabad and for successfully conceptualizing the city's IT hub, Cyberabad. The veteran south Indian politician has also served as the opposition leader in the Andhra assembly from 2004 to 2014.In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, the senior Telegu leader tears into Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, blaming him for leaving the southern state bankcrupt and without a capital city.CBN also opened up about his party's alliance with the BJP, his take on reservation for Muslims, and freebie politics in Andhra Pradesh. He also reminiscences his time in the United Front alliance back in 1996, when senior leaders across the country urged him to step up as the Prime Minister.

Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao, widely recognized as KTR, is a Member of the Telangana Legislative Assembly and the son of K Chandrashekar Rao, the first Chief Minister of Telangana, created after bifurcating Andhra Pradesh.Previously, he served as cabinet minister for IT, Municipal Administration & Urban Development in Telangana's second assembly. He continues to represent the Sircilla assembly constituency since 2009 and holds the position of working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party.In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, KTR alleges that the ruling government has captured the country's institutions and there is no space for dissent. The former Telangana minister expressed his dislike for the Congress and its current leadership. He also dismisses the Delhi Liquor 'Scam' and adds that his sister K Kavitha is being wrongly accused in it and Central agencies are working at the behest of the Central government.He also questioned Telangana's Congress CM Revanth Reddy's ties with the RSS. KTR also dismissed the idea of dynasty politics, contending accomplishments and merits over familial ties. This exclusive interaction offers a closer look into the functioning of politics in the state of Telangana.

Sachin Pilot is a senior Congress leader and former Union Minister who has also served as Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan. He also held the position of President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee and played a major role in building the Congress Party's cadres in the state. Coming from a political family, his father, Rajesh Pilot, was a senior Congress politician and Union Minister as well.Pilot made history as the first Union minister of India to be commissioned as an officer in the Territorial Army. Currently, he serves as the Congress General Secretary for Chhattisgarh and is an MLA from Rajasthan's Tonk constituency.In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sachin Pilot discusses the Congress' and India Alliance's prospects in the 2024 Lok Sabha Polls. Without mincing words, Pilot addresses issues such as the Caste Census, Reservation, and the Constitutional row that are dominating the General elections.Sachin Pilot also reflects on the 2020 'revolt' and why he was not happy with the then-state government of Rajasthan. Pilot sheds light on his father's legacy and replies to allegations of dynasty politics. Pilot also speaks on the mass exodus that Congress is facing amidst the mega polls.

Hardeep Singh Puri, a former diplomat and current Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs in the Modi Government. He is also the longest-serving Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs in India's history.An Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1974 batch, Puri served as Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013. During this time, he also chaired the United Nations Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee from January 2011 to February 2013. Subsequently, in June 2013, he joined the International Peace Institute as a senior advisor.In a recent episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Hardeep Singh Puri made startling revelations about leaders of the Congress Party planning a presidential form of government during the peak of the Emergency. He also alleged that Sanjay Gandhi had a sinister plan to suspend elections for three to four decades. Puri also discussed the evolution of dynasty politics within the Congress Party over the years. Furthermore, he criticized foreign media for their biases towards the Narendra Modi government. Additionally, Puri shared insights on the BJP's prospects in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Prof. Dilip Mandal is anauthor and a seasoned journalist. He is the former managing editor of India Today Hindi Magazine, and has authored books on media and sociology. Often known for talking about the plight of dalits in India, Mandal has often seen himself in controversies for voicing out strong opinions on social media sites like X. In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the senior journalist speaks up about the ongoing Muslim Reservation Row, and why, reservation should not be on the basis on religion. He also speaks up on the important of a caste census in India. He also alleges that Congress has never acted in the intererst of the country's Dalit community.

Asaduddin Owaisi, a barrister and four-time Member of Parliament, is the Chief of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). He ranks among the 500 most influential Muslims globally. Representing the Hyderabad constituency in the Lok Sabha, Owaisi is campaigning for re-election against BJP's Madhavi Latha, known for her outspokenness.In the latest episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Owaisi discusses the controversy over Muslim reservations, following the PM's statement against religion-based quotas. Owaisi boldly advocates for addressing the social and educational challenges faced by Muslim communities through reservations. He criticizes PM Modi for labeling Muslims as 'infiltrators', condemning it as a new low in political discourse.AIMIM chief Owaisi counters PM Modi's claim on Muslim fertility rates, citing government data showing a decline. He questions BJP's slogan '400 Paar', suggesting it aims to alter the constitution. Owaisi also explains why he compared PM Modi to Hitler and claims Muslims in today's India are in a situation similar to that of the Jews during Hitler's era.Addressing Madhavi Latha's 'Bow-Arrow' gesture, Owaisi asserts she has been exposed and accuses BJP of diverting attention from development to religious divisions. He also responds to allegations of AIMIM's association with Razakars, dismissing them as baseless.

Praful Patel is a Rajya Sabha MP, former Union Aviation Minister, and the working president of the NCP. He is also a former president of the All India Football Federation and also served as a member of the FIFA Council. Patel inherited his passion for politics from his father Manoharbhai Patel, who was a senior leader of the Congress in Maharashtra.In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Praful Patel sheds light on the exact reason behind the split of the NCP, and whether Sharad Pawar was aware of or in the dark about Ajit Pawar's swearing-in ceremonies in 2019 and 2023. Patel mentions PM Modi's vision and development projects and justifies Ajit Pawar's decision to join hands with the BJP.Praful Patel also addresses his alleged involvement in the Air India leasing case, which was closed by the CBI eight months after he joined the NDA. He also responds to the opposition's jibe about the BJP being a "washing machine."He also shares some untold stories behind the formation of the NCP and what led Sharad Pawar to break away from the Congress and form another party. He also shares stories about how Sharad Pawar was close to obtaining the top job in the country and blamed his indecisiveness for not achieving it. He asserts that the Gandhi Family would never trust Sharad Pawar and has backstabbed him many times.Patel also takes on Uddhav Thackeray and claims that Raj Thackeray had the potential to take the Shiv Sena to greater heights had he not been a lazy politician.

Shashi Sekhar is the former CEO of Prasar Bharati, India's public broadcaster. He assumed office in 2017 and served a five-year term till 2022. An alumnus of IIT-Bombay, he was the youngest and first non-bureaucrat to hold the public office since its creation in 1997.In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, former CEO of Prasar Bharati opens up about the Western media's 'obsession' with Prime Minister Modi, often calling him an 'authoritarian leader' – a direct attack on India's democratic setup.He also explains why Global media is ‘biased’ against PM Modi and continues to defame India’s democracy.Shashi Shekhar speaks up about how these foreign media outlets have repeatedly attacked India's majority population, the Hindus, and their sentiments around the newly inaugurated Ram Temple in Ayodhya.He also advises foreign journalists not to cross a line and hype up India's internal issues, which in turn may create a security situation in the country.

28-year-old Akash Anand is the National Coordinator of the Bahujan Samaj Party. Nephew of BSP supremo Mayawati, Akash joined the party in 2016 and rose through the ranks, to become the the second most important leader in the party. In December 2023, Mayawati also known as 'Behenji' named him as her political successor at a party meeting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Anand speaks about the current state of politics in Uttar Pradesh. He also speaks up about why his party had to split ways with their earlier rival the Samajwadi Party, and why his party wouldn't allign with Dalit leader and Bhim Army Chief Chandrasekhar Azad. The young Dalit politician with a foreign MBA, also opens up for the first time about being discriminated against for his caste by a senior in school, despite being the CM's nephew.

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

Ashwin Sanghi is among India’s highest-selling English fiction authors. He has written several bestsellers in the Bharat Series (including The Rozabal Line, Chanakya’s Chant, The Krishna Key, The Sialkot Saga, Keepers of the Kalachakra, The Vault of Vishnu, and The Magicians of Mazda) and two New York Times bestselling crime thrillers with James Patterson.He has been included by Forbes India in their Celebrity 100 and by The New Indian Express in their Culture Power List. He is also a winner of the Crossword Popular Choice Award 2012, the Atta Galatta Popular Choice Award 2018, and the Lit-O-Fest Literature Legend Award 2018.In the latest edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ashwin Sanghi explores the essence of Sanatana Dharma and its importance in promoting harmony in today's diverse world. He uncovers the stories of mythology and historical events, sharing insights that could resonate with people from all cultures and across generations.Ashwin also discusses the truth behind the Aryan Invasion theory and offers insights into the art of storytelling, emphasizing how to keep readers engaged. He candidly addresses the challenges he faces in publishing and reveals details about his upcoming project in the Bharat series and new Book 'Razor Sharp - A Kutta Kadam Thriller'

Sujan R. Chinoy is a former Indian diplomat with over 37 years of experience. He currently serves as the Director General at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses (IDSA), India's top think-tank focusing on defense, security, and international relations, located in New Delhi. He also chaired the Think20 engagement group during India’s G20 Presidency.During his career, Ambassador Chinoy specialized in various diplomatic areas, including China, East Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, National Security, as well as the U.S. and Latin American region.In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ambassador Sujan Chinoy provides insights into India's stance and its role in the crises involving Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza.Ambassador Chinoy explains India's approach, which involves maintaining balanced relations with both Russia and Ukraine while advocating for peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.Regarding Israel-Gaza, he discusses India's historical ties with Israel, its support for Palestinian aspirations, and the careful balancing act needed to uphold regional stability.Additionally, Ambassador Chinoy discusses the transformative impact of technological advancements on modern warfare. He emphasizes the revolutionary role of drones, which have changed military strategies and tactics, offering new capabilities in surveillance and targeted strikes.

Gopal Bedi, popularly known by his screen name Ranjeet, has worked in over 200 films. He embarked on his journey in 1970 and carved a niche for himself as a versatile character actor, excelling in villainous roles. Some of his notable performances include appearances in films such as 'Sharmeelee', 'Bandhe Haath', and 'Namak Halal'. He continues to leave his mark, as evidenced by his roles in 'Behen Hogi Teri', 'Housefull 2', and 'Housefull 4'.In the Mumbai Edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ranjeet talks about his journey into Bollywood without having a godfather. He shares insights into the changes that have occurred in Bollywood over the last 50 years, noting a lack of camaraderie among actors. Without mincing words, he shares the insider secrets of Bollywood late-night parties in the 70s and 80s.Ranjeet also discusses his experiences working with legends such as Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor, and Sunil Dutt. He explains why he opted to portray back-to-back negative characters in movies. Ranjeet reveals that he is a teetotaler and a pure vegetarian, a lifestyle choice starkly contrasting with the roles he portrayed in films.Ranjeet, one of Bollywood's beloved villains, now enjoys retired life in Juhu. He has significantly reduced his film commitments in the last 5 years, focusing instead on minimal work. However, he remains quite active on Instagram with nearly 2 lakh followers.

China has set an ambitious 5% GDP growth target for 2024 and vowed to 'transform' the economy. Beijing has signalled that stability and transforming its economy will continue to be a priority. This comes at a time when China's economy has performed weaker than expected post-pandemic.This episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash was recorded at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi in February 2024. The expert panel examines where China's economy is headed in 2024. What are the growth prospects and challenges ahead for Xi Jinping's government?The expert panel for "The Year of the Dragon" includes Jorge Quiroga, Former President of Bolivia; Noah Barkin, Senior Advisor, China Practice, Rhodium Group, USA; Philippe Le Corre, Senior Fellow, Asia Society Policy Institute, France; Velina Tchakarova, Founder, FACE, and Visiting Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, Austria.The panel will evaluate the state of China's economy and whether it is still making friends across the world or not. Does it inspire the same confidence in investors that it did pre-pandemic? How is Beijing's influence projected to evolve globally, particularly in regions like Russia and Latin America? Will it expand or diminish in the upcoming year?