He is a trusted lieutenant of the Gandhi family, an eight-time MLA and considered a 'troubleshooter' for the Congress party. DK Shivakumar is one of the tallest Vokkaliga leaders of the Congress, who lost out in the race to Siddaramaiah and became his deputy. 
 Shivakumar started his political career as a student leader in the 1980s and gradually rose through the ranks of the Congress party. Some even tout him as the next 'Chanakya' of the Congress party after Ahmed Patel. 
 In the latest edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, DK Shivakumar talks about the Bengaluru Cafe Blast and alleges that some anti-social elements are behind it, emphasising that the safety of Kannadigas remains the utmost priority. 
 He also shares why Sonia Gandhi chose not to contest the Lok Sabha polls and took the Rajya Sabha route to become an MP. Shivakumar further states that only the Congress party can keep the Congress united and that the Gandhi Family has sacrificed a lot. 
 Shivakumar hits out at the centre and claims injustice to Karnataka in tax devolution, claiming 'stepmotherly' treatment. He also delves into the Cauvery water wars and the Bengaluru water crisis. 
 Additionally, Karnataka Deputy CM speaks on the preparation of the party for the Lok Sabha polls and shares his plans for the state in the upcoming years.

EP 150 - The 'Trouble Shooter' of Congress Ft. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

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From ABVP's national secretary to the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Jagat Prakash Nadda's journey is that of a commoner from Himachal Pradesh who rose through the ranks to the top. Nadda has served the organization while holding crucial positions at different levels in the party. Currently, he leads one of the biggest political parties globally, with over 10 crore members. 
 In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, JP Nadda outlines the challenges in leading a party like the BJP and discusses his plans for further expansion. Without mincing words, he asserts that '400 Paar' is a reality, and the NDA led by the BJP will surpass this mark. He also addresses major issues like the Constitution and reservation, which are central to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Nadda vehemently opposes reservation based on religion, labelling it 'appeasement politics.' 
 The BJP Chief also strongly criticizes Arvind Kejriwal over the alleged assault of AAP MP Swati Maliwal at the Delhi CM's house. He questions the Delhi CM's silence on the matter. In a no-holds-barred conversation, JP Nadda takes a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of spreading lies about the Constitution. 
 Nadda also lashes out at Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee regarding the law and order situation in the state. He refers to her as 'unstable' and alleges that the TMC supremo has compromised the nation for the sake of votes. Nadda accuses Mamata Banerjee of providing shelter to infiltrators and misleading people about the CAA.

Ep 176 - Swati Maliwal Case, 2024 Lok Sabha Polls, '400 Paar' Mission with BJP Chief JP Nadda

Known for her fiery speeches, Union Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Amethi, Smriti Irani in the latest ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash revealed dark side of ‘Parivarvad’ politics in the constituency. Without mincing words, Smriti Irani attacked Gandhi siblings (Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi) and levelled startling allegations. With shocking claims, Irani recounted alleged insult and humiliation faced by BJP leader Maneka Gandhi when she contested from Amethi. In the podcast, the Union Minister also accused Congress and Gandhi siblings of booth capturing. BJP leader who wrested the Amethi seat from Rahul Gandhi in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, has been challenged by Congress’ loyalist KL Sharma this time. Rahul Gandhi is contesting Lok Sabha polls 2024 from Raebareli.

EP 175 - The dark side of Parivar politics in Amethi-Smriti Irani unleashed! Most explosive podcast

Piyush Vedprakash Goyal is an Indian politician and chartered accountant who serves as a cabinet minister in the Government of India. He oversees portfolios including the Minister of Textiles, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. He is currently a Member of Parliament for Rajya Sabha representing Maharashtra and serves as the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha. 
 In his 35-year political career, Piyush Goyal has reached several significant milestones. As Minister of Railways, he helped India achieve a safety record with zero passenger deaths in rail accidents. During his tenure as Power, Coal, and New & Renewable Energy Minister, he successfully implemented UJALA, the world's largest LED bulb distribution program. Earlier, he has also been the National Treasurer of the BJP. 
 In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Rajya Sabha Leader Piyush Goyal speaks about his Mumbai roots and comments on the splits within Maharashtra's NCP and Shiv Sena. 
 The senior BJP leader also talks about the party's contribution to India's development. He also attacks the Congress for playing devisive politics and dividing India on caste and religion lines for votes.

EP 174 - Maharashtra Politics, Electoral Debut, Mumbai Roots with Piyush Goyal

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.

EP 173 - Exploring India's Election Influence on Neighbours with Tilak Devasher & Ajay Bisaria

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.

EP 150 - The 'Trouble Shooter' of Congress Ft. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

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