Manish Tewari is a senior Congress leader, lawyer and Member of Parliament from Chandigarh. He previously represented Ludhiana and Anandpur Sahib in the Lok Sabha and served as Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting. He is also an author and has been active in Indian politics for over four decades.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses the Cockroach Janta Party protest, the NEET controversy, police action against students, Rahul Gandhi’s protest and the Parliament deadlock. He also speaks about the Punjab Congress, the 2027 Assembly elections, Operation Sindoor, his viral interaction with PM Modi.

00:00 – Introduction

01:16 – Cockroach Janta Party

06:01 – Political Involvement

07:36 – INDIA Alliance

14:36 – PM Residence Protest

15:54 – Pradhan’s Resignation

17:43 – Parliament Washout

20:05 – Anti-Defection Law

36:18 – Interaction with PM Modi

40:28 – Journey Through Congress

43:45 – Punjab Elections 2027

45:46 – Operation Sindoor

51:32 – Father’s Assassination

56:15 – Political Entry

57:52 – Rajiv Gandhi

01:01:53 – Punjabiyat

01:05:32 – Punjab Partition

01:10:43 – Satluj Movie

01:12:26 – Accidental Prime Minister

01:14:29 – Chandigarh Connection

01:16:50 – Partition Trauma

01:20:20 – Bittu Traitor Remark

01:26:19 – Bhagwant Mann

01:31:57 – US Trade Deal

01:35:02 – Conclusion

Arnab Ray, also known as Greatbong, is known for his satirical commentary on Indian politics, society, and popular culture. He is an author and holds a PhD in Computer Science.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Arnab Ray discusses racism against Indians, the H-1B visa crackdown, AI-driven job cuts, and the changing American Dream.

00:00 – Introduction

01:33 – Image of Indian Immigrants

05:55 – Challenges for Indian Immigrants

10:23 – Indian American Cultural Identity

17:10 – Political Influence of Immigrants

27:20 – H-1B Crackdown

32:41 – Indian Students in U.S.

40:01 – NRI Stereotype

46:01 – Indian Politics and NRI Connection

53:53 – Indian Diaspora and Political Polarisation

59:09 – Jimmy Kimmel Controversy

1:07:18 – Rise of BJP in Bengal

Medha Bhaskaran is an author and researcher known for her work on Maratha history. She has written extensively about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Tarabai.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Medha Bhaskaran explores the long conflict between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire.

She also discusses Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign, the destruction of temples, Shivaji Maharaj’s military leadership, Maharani Tarabai’s resistance, Tipu Sultan and the continuing debate over how Indian history has been written.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

00:56 – Life in Dubai

05:31 – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

10:16 – Mughal-era Violence

15:36 – Aurangzeb's Deccan Wars

22:27 – Aurangzeb's Family Conflicts

31:25 – Idea of Hindavi Swarajya

45:29 – Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s Legacy

52:40 – Untold Story of Maharani Tarabai

58:54 – Maratha Weapons

1:02:43 – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Final Days

1:07:34 – How Shivaji Maharaj Became Chhatrapati

1:22:25 – Rewriting Indian History

1:28:57 – Story of Tarabai’s Courage