Rasheed Kidwai is a senior journalist, political analyst, and author known for his insights into Indian politics and the Congress party. He has written extensively about the Indian political system and is the author of notable books like 24 Akbar Road. Kidwai regularly contributes to national media outlets and appears on prime-time debates for various news channels.

Yana Mir is a journalist and political commentator from Jammu and Kashmir, known for her bold views on the abrogation of Article 370 and how it has changed the valley.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, journalists Rasheed Kidwai and Yana Mir discuss the assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. Kidwai highlights the anti-incumbency and local dissatisfaction with BJP leaders in Haryana. He also discusses the rift between Hooda and Selja and whether it could be a spoiler for the Congress party in the Haryana polls.

Yana Mir talks about the political scene in Kashmir, noting how locals are growing disillusioned with the Abdullah and Mufti dynasties. She discusses the rise of independent candidates in the valley and how Engineer Rashid is attracting voters’ attention.

They also highlight the media's influence in shaping narratives and the importance of these elections for the BJP and its allies in NDA 3.0.

00:00 – Introduction

01:53 – Haryana & J-K Polls

08:57 – Independent Candidates in J&K Polls

12:10 – Crowded J&K Poll Fray

16:53 – NC vs PDP Battle

20:30 – Corruption Issue in Polls

23:22 – The Modi Factor in J&K Polls

29:52 – Will BJP Sweep Jammu?

32:12 – Yana's Tweets Controversy

38:50 – Role of Media in Elections

47:38 – Foreign Diplomats' Visit to J&K

52:00 – People Upset with BJP in J&K?

53:32 – Congress' Prospects in J&K

58:07 – Rahul vs. Modi in Popularity

1:04:58 – Separatists in J&K Polls

1:09:17 – Labeling Media as the Villain

1:12:22 – Hindu-Muslim Issues in Polls

1:14:42 – 'Samvidhan Badal Denge' Row

1:22:52 – Is Media Still Powerful in India?

1:25:52 – Can AAP Spring a Surprise in Haryana?

1:27:52 – The Next CM of Jammu & Kashmir

1:31:43 – Impact of Election Results on NDA 3.0