In 2009, following her father Sone Lal Patel's death, Anupriya Patel faced a significant challenge. She was pushed into the political arena to lead the party her father founded. Despite the subsequent party split, Anupriya Patel defied expectations. Now, a three-time MP, she leads Apna Dal (Soneylal) and holds the MoS Health & Family Welfare portfolio for the second time in the Modi government.

Anupriya Patel is regarded as a vital player in Uttar Pradesh politics and is one of the key allies of the BJP.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Anupriya Patel discusses the need for a caste census to uplift marginalized communities and the importance of moving beyond caste lines for India's advancement. She also addresses NDA's poor performance in Uttar Pradesh, in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, alleging that the opposition capitalized on false narratives like the abrogation of reservation and changing of the constitution. She also speaks about the challenges of being a woman in Indian politics.

Anupriya Patel also recounts her responsibilities during the G20 summit and hosting Former French President Emmanuel Macron. She debunks myths about her constituency, Mirzapur, highlighting the contrast between its reality and its OTT portrayal.

Introduction (0:00)

MoS Health & Family Welfare (1:21)

Accidental Politician? (5:00)

Apna Dal Split (8:21)

The 'Real' Mirzapur (11:20)

UP BJP's Debacle (13:15)

Letter to CM Yogi (16:33)

Opposition's Reservation 'False Narrative' (23:01)

Challenges as a Woman Politician in UP (26:19)

Reply to SP's Allegations (29:20)

Caste Census & OBC Reservation (33:11)

Importance of Uplifting Minorities (37:26)

Instability in UP? (44:00)

NDA Ally Experience (46:15)

Revival of Congress in UP (48:45)

Importance of Social Diversity (50:25)

Reservation in Private Sector (53:45)

Snap Reactions (56:15)

Women in Politics (1:15:15)

Anupriya Patel's Ambition (1:16:37)

Mother's Contribution (1:18:00)

Personal Lives of Politicians (1:19:45)

Maintaining Physical & Mental Health (1:21:23)