EP-282 | Can Nava Raipur outperform Bengaluru & Hyderabad? | Chhattisgarh Finance Min OP Choudhary

Bilal Lone is a former separatist and the elder son of Abdul Gani Lone, the Hurriyat Conference leader who founded the People’s Conference. Bilal was part of the Hurriyat Conference delegation that met Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani in Delhi in 2004. His younger brother, Sajjad Lone, is currently a member of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Bilal was aligned with the Mirwaiz faction of the Hurriyat when it split into two groups — the so-called moderates led by Mirwaiz and the hardliners led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Abdul Gani Lone states that the terrorists who attacked Pahalgam do not represent the mindset of all Kashmiris. He emphasises that the people of Kashmir want peace and do not want to be associated with radical elements.He also advocates for a war with Pakistan, urging that it should be settled once and for all, for the sake of all Kashmiris. Abdul Gani Lone also explains why he stopped visiting Pakistan and stepped away from separatist leadership, sharing the reasons that led to a change in his perspective.00:00 – Introduction01:55 – Normalcy in Kashmir06:07 – Local Support for Terrorists13:16 – Conflict Zone of Kashmir16:44 – Hurriyat's Ties with Pakistan19:59 – Extremism in Kashmir25:59 – Tourists Saved by Locals29:26 – Kashmir Leaders Unite33:19 – Indus Treaty on Hold39:45 – Kashmir's Tourism Industry Setback48:37 – Kashmiri Pandits' Exodus52:31 – PM Modi's Warning to Terrorists58:09 – BJP in Kashmir1:07:55 – AS Dulat's Book Row1:09:55 – Advani's Meeting with Hurriyat Leaders

Sundarraj Pattilingam is an Indian Police Service officer currently serving as the Inspector General (IG) of Bastar Range in Chhattisgarh. He is known for his leadership in operations against Maoist insurgents in the region.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sundarraj discusses how Naxalism is coming to an end in Chhattisgarh. He explains how the efforts of security forces and the administration are helping bring Maoists into the mainstream.He also shares some shocking tactics used by Maoists to target security forces and reveals the changing face of Bastar. He encourages people to visit the region, which is blessed with stunning scenic beauty, forests, waterfalls, wildlife, ancient temples, and vibrant tribal dances and music.00:00 – Introduction01:48 – Bastar as a Maoist bastion06:45 – Ideology of the Maoists10:45 – Posting in Bastar19:09 – Local recruitment in Bastar21:22 – Development in Bastar26:47 – Sacrifices made by jawans32:54 – 'Operation Kagar'35:39 – Naxal influence on villagers43:15 – Minors recruited by Naxals46:53 – Humanitarian handling of Naxal bodies52:37 – Tech use in Naxal-affected zones

India has faced its worst terrorist attack on civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. In Kashmir's Pahalgam, 27 innocent lives were lost and 15 others were injured in an attack backed by Pakistan. Terrorists opened fire at point-blank range, targeting innocent tourists. Four terrorists stormed the popular tourist location, creating chaos for 20 minutes. Will India respond to this attack? What will be New Delhi’s reaction?In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey (Retd), former Commander of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps. He explains why terrorists chose Pahalgam to attack civilians, what message Pakistan intends to send to India and Kashmir, and whether the terrorists had local support.Pandey also discusses whether there could be more attacks like the one in Pahalgam and blames Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir for orchestrating these attacks, calling him the "Kingpin" behind them.00:00 – Introduction01:00 – Intel failure behind the attack03:33 – Pakistan’s message to Kashmiris05:20 – 'Asim Munir behind the attack'08:11 – Why only tourists were targeted13:54 – Gulmarg fashion show controversy15:20 – Who tipped the terrorists off17:55 – Why women and children were spared21:20 – Rising tourism in Kashmir24:55 – What Kashmiris think of the terror attack28:22 – India vs Pakistan: Leadership compared30:40 – India’s response to the attack33:17 – Casualties in the war34:57 – ISI’s propaganda36:30 – Consequences of war38:42 – 'Pakistan wants a war'43:16 – Civilian, military, and intel coordination46:33 – Why the terrorist said “Tell Modi”50:32 – NC & PDP’s stance on the attack53:56 – A message for Indians

Kushal Mehra is an author and podcaster who divides his time between Canada and India. He is known for his sharp insights and first-hand experience of life in Canada. Ajay Bisaria is the former High Commissioner of India to Canada. He is now a strategic advisor and a well-regarded voice on geopolitics, international business, and public policy.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss why the Canadian elections matter to India and how the outcome could affect relations with New Delhi, especially after strained ties under Justin Trudeau's regime.Kushal and Ajay also talk about how Donald Trump's political comeback and tariff wars are influencing the Canadian political landscape. They explore why Canada has become a safe haven for Khalistani elements. The conversation also touches on concerns around possible foreign interference in the 2025 Canadian elections, including the roles of China, India, and Pakistan.*Audio Timestamps:*00:00 - Introduction02:27 - Why Canadian Polls Matter to India12:32 - How Canada Chooses Its Government16:47 - Mark Carney vs Justin Trudeau18:13 - Canada’s Response to Trump’s Win21:07 - Trump’s Influence on Canada’s Polls29:19 - Impact of Debates on Canada’s Polls31:32 - Situation of Indian Students in Canada34:39 - Indian Students Being Targeted in Canada42:15 - Minorities and Canada’s Election48:17 - What's Next in India-Canada Ties50:36 - Jagmeet Singh’s Political Future55:02 - Global Trade War01:00:04 - Nijjar Killing Row01:09:12 - Role of Indian Embassy in Canada01:15:52 - Diplomats' Security in Canada01:20:37 - India-Canada Diplomatic Ties

Kiren Rijiju is currently serving as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and the Minister of Minority Affairs. He has served as the Union Law Minister of India and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports. He is considered one of the most active and respected parliamentarians, with over 90% attendance in Parliament and regular participation in debates and questions on national and international issues.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kiren Rijiju clears the air on the Waqf Amendment Act, saying that no rights of the Muslim community will be taken away. He strongly criticises opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, and Asaduddin Owaisi.He also talks about the Manipur crisis and addresses the question of why the Prime Minister has not visited the state. Rijiju speaks about the BJP not having a single Muslim MP and shares his views on the collegium system, the China-Arunachal passport issue, and Muhammad Yunus' statement on the Northeast.00:00 – Introduction 00:58 – Waqf Act 03:28 – Rahul Gandhi on Waqf 05:10 – Impact of Waqf Act on North-East 08:24 – Bengal CM Against the Waqf Act 09:30 – Waqf-Related Violence in Bengal 12:37 – Non-BJP States on the Waqf Act 16:53 – Can Waqf Trigger a Nationwide Protest? 20:28 – Viral Picture with Omar Abdullah 23:23 – Waqf Act's Impact on Mosques 29:24 – Manipur Debate in Parliament 31:36 – Who’s to Blame for the Manipur Crisis? 37:38 – Normalcy in Manipur 40:48 – Role as Parliamentary Affairs Minister 44:13 – TMC MP Mahua’s Allegation 49:39 – Dhankhar Mimicry Row 55:26 – Fight Over Ambedkar’s Legacy 01:02:41 – Rijiju as Law Minister 01:05:16 – Entry into Politics 01:10:44 – Muhammad Yunus’ Comment on Northeast 01:15:06 – Arunachal-China Passport Row 01:17:58 – China-India Border Dispute 01:18:41 – Physical Fitness 01:22:55 – Food 01:26:14 – Learning Multiple Languages

How can AI be used to detect lung cancer early? Is there enough funding for healthcare in India? Are we seeing enough medical advancement and technology in the Indian healthcare system? Can AI models identify breast cancer at an early stage? And is AI better than humans regarding cancer diagnosis and therapy?In the latest edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Swapnil Rane, Professor of Pathology and AI Research Lead at the Tata Memorial Centre, answers these questions. He also shares how AI has the potential to revolutionise cancer diagnosis and treatment. According to him, AI can detect lung cancer at a very early stage, sometimes even before it becomes visible to the human eye.00:00 – Introduction00:50 – Lung Cancer in India10:24 – AI in Cancer Diagnosis13:32 – Health Insurance Sector16:59 – Cancer Trials Ecosystem23:32 – Use of AI in Medicine28:47 – AI vs Humans in Healthcare31:40 – Challenges faced by Doctors39:19 – Medical Technology in India43:08 – Data Privacy in Healthcare

Arun Sao is currently serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. A lawyer by profession, he began his political journey in 1990 as a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Over the years, he steadily rose through the ranks of the BJP, starting out as a booth-level worker. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Arun Sao levels serious corruption allegations against the previous Congress government. He also talks about the BJP government’s efforts to generate employment in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, he explains how Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh and shares insights on the current situation of Naxalism in the state.00:00 – Introduction00:46 – Anti-Naxal Operations09:17 – Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar’s murder15:41 – Water Crisis in Chhattisgarh19:29 – Bharatmala Project21:38 – 'Misuse of ED, CBI, I-T' charge25:26 – Chhattisgarh Civic Polls32:15 – High Command Culture in Political Parties36:33 – Goal of Gender Equality42:42 – Employment and Job Opportunities

Vijay Sharma is the MLA from the Kawardha constituency and currently serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He had served as the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. Over the years, he has been actively involved in several protests, including those related to paddy procurement and ration card distribution.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Deputy CM Vijay Sharma speaks about the recruitment of minors by Naxal groups, the overall law and order situation in the state, and whether journalists are safe in Chhattisgarh. He also shares an update on the murder case of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar and strongly criticises the previous Congress government, accusing it of widespread corruption under Bhupesh Baghel’s leadership00:00 – Introduction00:19 – From School Teacher to a Politician03:46 – First-Time MLA to Home Minister04:29 – Naxalism in Chhattisgarh10:56 – Ceasefire: A Naxal Tactic?13:32 – Minors in Naxalism16:05 – Anti-Naxal Ops or Revenge Killing?17:20 – Rehabilitation for Naxals22:14 – Modern Weapons for Police25:31 – Cyber Crimes in Chhattisgarh29:25 – Balodabazar Violence32:53 – Overcrowding in Jails36:31 – Mukesh Chandrakar Murder Case39:26 – Human-Animal Conflict47:29 – Forced Religious Conversion51:32 – Impact of Waqf Act53:18 – Metro in Chhattisgarh54:24 – Government Policies

O.P. Choudhary cracked the UPSC exam at the age of 23 and was part of the 2005 batch of the Chhattisgarh cadre, the first batch after the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. In 2018, he joined the BJP. During his 13-year career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the former Raipur Collector earned a reputation as a simple, hardworking, and dynamic officer.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, O.P. Choudhary talks about whether Nava Raipur can outperform cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. He also shares how Chhattisgarh is working to create more jobs, boost tourism, and change the way people see the state.00:00 – Introduction00:50 – Journey from IAS to politics08:58 – Posting in Dantewada15:09 – Naxalism in Bastar21:41 – Chhattisgarh Budget25:53 – Nava Raipur29:01 – IT Hubs in Nava Raipur34:48 – Welfare schemes38:42 – Sustainable Development44:53 – Tourism & Investment in Chhattisgarh47:35 – Online betting in the Gaming Sector51:35 – Rebuilding Agricultural Sector55:13 – Schemes for Transgender

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joins the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash in Raipur during the 'Vichaar for Viksit Chhattisgarh' Conclave.Mr. Sai has had a long political journey. He served as an MLA from 1990 to 1998 and was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Raigarh constituency in 1999. In 2006, he became the Chhattisgarh BJP president and later served as a Union Minister of State. He is also known to have close ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).In this episode of the ANI Podcast, He talks about the Waqf Act and what it means for the state, raises concerns about religious conversions, and explains his government's approach to dealing with Naxalism. He also speaks about action being taken against the mining mafia and the plans to develop Nava Raipur into a modern, world-class city.00:00 – Introduction00:39 – Childhood Stories05:42 – First time becoming 'Sarpanch'06:22 – Mentor for political journey07:57 – Promises after becoming CM13:23 – Mahadev betting app scam15:32 – Developments under BJP govt18:19 – From rice bowl to IT Park21:59 – Surrender policies for Naxalites24:04 – Skilling Naxals25:34 – End of Naxalism by 2026?29:22 – From Naxalism to Tourism in Chhattisgarh?33:00 – Mining Mafia34:26 – Waqf Act35:06 – Forced religious conversion39:01 – 'Ghar Wapsi' program for Hindus40:35 – 'Rubber stamp CM' Jibe43:23 – Mahtari Vandana Yojana45:18 – Odisha-Chhattisgarh Mahanadi Dispute46:17 – Working for youth development49:10 – Attacks on journalists