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.

Timestamps

00:00 – Coming Up

02:08 – Introduction

03:29 – Why He Left Congress

06:24 – Freedom of Speech in NDA

07:36 – Reasons for Leaving Congress

14:26 – Manmohanomics vs. Modinomics

15:30 – Young Leaders Betraying Congress?

18:00 – Hindi–Marathi Language Row

22:08 – Mumbai’s Lost Decade

28:54 – Mumbai’s Infrastructure

32:38 – Garbage & Pothole Issues

38:13 – Mumbai’s Development

46:17 – Can Mumbai Regain Its Global Status?

49:06 – Marine Drive vs. Bandra–Worli Sea Link

50:38 – Mumbai’s Food Culture

52:11 – Pani Puri vs. Bhel Puri

53:05 – Udupi Hotel vs. Irani Café

53:29 – Gateway of India vs. CSMT

53:57 – Mumbai’s Local Trains

54:29 – Puran Poli vs. Shrikhand

56:55 – Mumbai’s Dabbawalas

58:04 – Bollywood

01:00:12 – All-Party Delegation on Operation Sindoor

01:05:17 – ‘Vote Chori’ Controversy

01:06:45 – Central Agencies Being Misused?

01:12:57 – Remembering the 26/11 Attack

01:22:04 – Why Didn’t India Retaliate After 26/11?

01:24:48 – Munir’s Nuke Threat Against India

01:27:30 – Should India’s Youth Enter Politics?

01:30:22 – Meeting with PM Modi

01:31:36 – Equations with the Gandhis After Leaving Congress