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

Ajay Chrungoo is a prominent Kashmiri Pandit and the Chairman of Panun Kashmir, an organization advocating for the rights and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. He is known for speaking about the challenges faced by the Pandit community in the 1990s due to the insurgency in the Valley.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ajay Chrungoo discusses the demand for a separate homeland, 'Panun Kashmir,' for Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu & Kashmir. He asserts that what happened in 1989-90 was a genocide against Kashmiri Pandits, not just a wave of migration.

He shares his personal story of being attacked by terrorists and fleeing the valley, leaving everything behind. Chrungoo also explains why many Pandits are calling for a boycott of the 2024 J&K Assembly Polls. He holds the BJP, Congress, and National Conference responsible for the attacks against Pandits, accusing them of playing a key role during that time.

(Thumbnail Picture Courtesy: Reuters)

00:00 - Introduction

00:57 - Kashmir: Then vs. Now

03:42 - What is Panun Kashmir

10:54 - Separate Territory for Pandits Demand

12:42 - What Kashmiri Pandits Want

15:25 - Politics Over Pandits

19:29 - Election 'Boycott' Call

26:00 - Pandits and Political Party

29:51 - Exodus Horror of 1989-1990

35:06 - Pandits Returning After Article 370

37:38 - Land for Panun Kashmir

39:05 - Who Can Help Kashmiri Pandits

43:12 - NC's Role in Pandits' Exodus

49:44 - How Many Pandits Were Killed in 90s

54:54 - Why Pandits Choose NOTA in Voting

Tarun Chugh is a senior BJP leader, currently serving as the party's National General Secretary and in charge of Jammu & Kashmir. He has been strengthening the party's presence in Jammu and Kashmir for the past 30 years. His role in overseeing the BJP's activities in the region has made him an important figure in J&K's political landscape.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tarun Chugh expresses confidence that the BJP will form the government in Jammu & Kashmir without any support from regional parties like the NC or PDP. He sees the rise of independent candidates as a sign of changing times in the region and suggests that the end of militancy has been a turning point in the valley’s journey towards stability and growth.

Chugh also highlights how Prime Minister Modi’s development agenda has reshaped J&K after the abrogation of Article 370. He also talks about the party's commitment to Agniveers and assures that statehood will be restored, as promised by both PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

The discussion also covers the challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits, the return of peace and democracy to the region, and the BJP’s position on important issues like the Darbar Move and the controversial 1987 election rigging.