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

05/13/24 • 95 min

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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.

Previous Episode

EP 172 - Muslim Quota War, Freebies Vs Welfare, Andhra Politics, 2024 Polls with Chandrababu Naidu

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.

Next Episode

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

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.

(0:00) Intro

(1:00) Electoral Debut

(3:05) Mumbai Roots

(4:30) Sam Pitroda's Divisive Comment

(6:20) Split In The NCP

(8:10) Uddhav Thackeray & Shiv Sena Split

(13:40) Mera Baap Gaddar Hai Controversy

(14:40) PM Modi & Sharad Pawar

(17:00) Kejriwal's Bail

(18:36) India Is The Future

(20:03) BJP & Nation Building

(27:10) PM Modi's Popularity