Unpolitics Description: Straight talk. No filter. No fear.

Meet Pappu Yadav — the strongman of Purnea, a political maverick who’s never afraid to speak his mind. From his clashes within the Mahagathbandhan to his views on Bihar’s power politics — this week, he sits down for a fiery, no-holds-barred conversation.

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Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

Preeti Choudhry sits down with Kanhaiya Kumar for an unfiltered episode of UnPolitics. From student politics to Parliament, rebellion to reform. Sharp, candid, and revealing - a conversation that goes beyond slogans.

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Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

Preeti Choudhry meets Omar Abdullah in Srinagar for an exclusive episode of UnPolitics. In a wide-ranging conversation, the Chief Minister reflects on leadership and the future of Kashmir. Candid, incisive, and filmed on location in Srinagar.

Engineer-turned-astrologer Dipanshu Giri presents extensive predictions on destiny, politics, and geopolitics during a special Diwali interview on UnPolitics. Giri asserts that "Sade Sati" has contributed to the rise of numerous prime ministers and identifies "Pishach Yog" as a factor in political crisis management.

He discusses the relationship between free will and destiny. Geopolitically, Giri forecasts India will operate independently for the next seven years, anticipating a "major war-like situation" with Pakistan in 2030. He predicts a challenging era for Western nations, including the US, and states Pakistan will maintain a "solid position" with support from both the US and China. Giri also suggests Russia will distance itself from India and warns of a significant attack on India in 2030. He projects a crisis for the BJP-led central government between mid-2025 and mid-2026 and a potential tsunami threat on India's eastern coast by early 2026.

India's "Mars Mahadasha" period, according to Giri, necessitates self-reliance in defense, chemicals, and fertilizers. Investment recommendations include chemical, electricity, and land-based stocks. The interview further addresses the Bihar elections, a potential "purge" in Bollywood, and the future of the Indian news industry.

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Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound Mixed by Suraj Singh

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami commented on the state's Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stating, 'Live-in relationship is not a part of our culture'. He clarified the law, which mandates registration for live-in couples, is for their own protection.

In an extensive interview, Dhami also discussed the dissolution of the Madrasa Board to integrate institutions into the state's mainstream education system. He addressed environmental concerns, stating development and ecology must be balanced, and mentioned a probe into recent disasters. The Chief Minister also defended using terms like 'land jihad' and 'nakal jihad', linking them to organized efforts to defame the government and illegally occupy land. Dhami reflected on his unexpected appointment as CM and his vision for Uttarakhand as a leading state.

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Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound Mixed by Suraj Singh

In a wide-ranging interview for the 'UnPolitics' podcast, actor and author Ashutosh Rana discussed his role as Ravan in the popular stage play 'Humare Ram'.

Rana, who has also written the book 'Ramrajya', shared his philosophical insights, stating, "The bigger the enemy, the bigger you," and explained that an adversary should be respected for stimulating one's potential.

He delved into the complex characters of the Ramayana, suggesting Ravan's downfall was due to an ego born from knowledge. Rana also offered an analysis of 'Raja Ram's' decision concerning Sita, arguing it was a king's move to protect her dignity from his own people.

The actor differentiated between politicians and leaders, noting a true leader is a ladder for others. Additionally, he shared his parenting philosophy of giving children the "freedom to fail" and described acting as a form of self-discovery and salvation.

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Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound Mixed by Suraj Singh

 

In his first major interview, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma confirmed that former CM Vasundhara Raje proposed his name for the top post. Speaking exclusively to India Today, the first-time MLA from Sanganer reflected on his journey from a farmer's family in Bharatpur to the state's highest office. He emphasised his accessibility, stating his doors are open for anyone, even at 2 a.m. The Chief Minister outlined his government's priorities, focusing on water, electricity, and industrial growth through the 'Rising Rajasthan' initiative, which he said has already seen Memorandums of Understanding worth ₹35 lakh crore signed, with ₹3 lakh crore already on the ground. He also discussed his long association with the RSS and ABVP, and his daily routine which begins with visiting a temple and his cowshed. 

Produced by Nikhil Khattar

Sound Mix: Suraj Singh

In an interview, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed multiple issues concerning the state. He discussed the displacement of villagers in border areas, questioning the frequency of their uprooting. Regarding the floods in Punjab, which resulted in 56 casualties, impacted 20 lakh people, submerged over 2300 villages, and destroyed more than five lakh acres of crops, causing an estimated loss of over thirteen thousand eight hundred crores, Mann disputed figures related to the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

Produced by Nikhil Khattar

Sound Mix by Suraj Singh

In a wide-ranging interview on UnPolitics, four-time Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey, a BJP MP representing Jharkhand's Godda constituency, discusses his political journey and public image. Dubey, who stated his blood contains the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and RSS, recounts his family's struggles during the Emergency and his 16-year tenure as a director at Essar before entering politics in 2009. He addresses the 'Nagar Vadhu' tweet controversy, clarifying his intent to highlight India's culture of respecting women, citing the historical example of the 'Nagar Vadhu of Vaishali'. Dubey makes allegations against Rahul Gandhi, claiming an attempt to create a 'vote theft' narrative in India, potentially leading to anarchy with Soros Foundation backing, drawing parallels to Nepal and Bangladesh. He asserts the requirement of PM Modi's leadership until 2040 for a developed India, dismissing discussions about successors like Yogi Adityanath. The MP also issues a warning regarding the Gandhi family, discusses cross-voting in Vice President elections, clarifies the Supreme Court's Aadhaar ruling regarding voter registration and citizenship, and touches upon personal controversies including degree allegations and an FIR concerning the Baba Vaidyanath temple. He also mentions his focus on the Gandhi family as a political topic and his relationship with BJP leader Amit Shah.

Political strategist Prashant Kishor, in a wide-ranging interview, discussed the upcoming Bihar elections and the platform of his Jan Suraaj party. Kishor stated, 'If Congress is not with RJD, I help them,' and attributed Bihar's challenges to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, while also identifying the Congress and BJP as 'the real culprits' for the state's devastation. He characterized the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) as an 'expired medicine' and positioned Jan Suraaj as a 'new medicine' for Bihar's issues. Kishor explicitly ruled out any pre- or post-election coalition, indicating his party would not form a government without a decisive majority and would pursue 'road ki rajniti' otherwise. He pledged to remove the liquor ban in Bihar within an hour of forming a government, describing the current law as a sham that benefits the liquor mafia and corrupt officials. Jan Suraaj is also committed to implementing land reforms to address landlessness in rural Bihar. The interview covered Kishor's initial meeting with Narendra Modi after authoring a critical paper on malnutrition in Gujarat, and a post-2014 election proposal to establish a governmental body akin to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) with 3,500 lateral entrants to enhance government delivery. Kishor also addressed his election predictions, funding sources from individuals he has assisted, and criticized the Congress for its alliance decisions in the state. He questioned Rahul Gandhi's engagement with Bihar's ground realities, citing unfulfilled past promises by leaders like Rajiv Gandhi, and condemned the party for platforming Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy following controversial remarks about Biharis. Additionally, he criticized announcements of new trains to the state as a means of encouraging labor migration.

In a comprehensive interview, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy discussed his political journey, from student politics to joining the Congress party under Rahul Gandhi's leadership. He presented a significant political forecast, predicting Prime Minister Modi's tenure will conclude in 2029 and that Rahul Gandhi will be elected as the next Prime Minister in the same year, citing his track record in political predictions. The Chief Minister outlined his vision for a 'Telangana model' of governance, aiming to establish it as a national benchmark. Addressing the 89 criminal cases against him, he characterized them as politically motivated 'medals' and a 'badge of honour.' He also unveiled an ambitious development plan for Telangana, including a master plan for a new 'Bharat Future City' to be launched on December 9, 2025, involving 30,000 acres. Further development initiatives include the rejuvenation of the Musi river for a night economy, targeting completion by 2028. Reddy defined Naxalism as an ideology and predicted an INDIA bloc victory in the Bihar elections, while contrasting the current central government's approach with that of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also noted his respect for Chandrababu Naidu while affirming party commitment.

In an exclusive India Today interview, senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister Uma Bharti offered perspectives on various national issues and personal experiences. She stated that Nathuram Godse's act was not just the killing of Mahatma Gandhi but also 'killed the future of the country' and Gandhi's vision for a self-reliant India. Bharti recounted her return to the BJP, detailing senior leadership's role, and discussed the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, expressing pride and no regrets over the Babri structure demolition. She also stated that structures at Mathura and Kashi should have fallen, advocating for their resolution for future peace. Bharti shared private conversations with L.K. Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee regarding the Ram Mandir and attributed 'divisive politics' on the issue to Jawaharlal Nehru. She expressed reverence for Sadhvi Pragya, defended the Char Dham project for border security, and discussed her Ganga cleanup plan. Bharti also addressed her decision to remain unmarried, citing a belief in equality, the impact of the Vyapam scandal, and her bond with Sushma Swaraj. She asserted that Sanatan culture is resilient and rejected the term 'saffron terror'.

Asaduddin Owaisi on Godse, Razakars, Malegaon Verdict, and India-Pakistan Cricket: An UnPolitics Interview. 
Asaduddin Owaisi, a five-time Member of Parliament, asserted that 'Godse was the first terrorist of independent India,' linking it to the recent Malegaon blast verdict. He stated that 'terrorism has become a new religion' and criticized the narrative of 'Hindu terror.' Owaisi categorically denied any historical connection between his political party and the Razakars, calling such claims 'all lies' and a 'figment of the BJP’s imagination.' He referenced the Pandit Sundar Lal report regarding 'Operation Polo' in Hyderabad. The AIMIM President also announced a personal boycott of the India-Pakistan cricket match, citing ongoing terrorism and suspended diplomatic ties. He detailed his participation in diplomatic delegations to Gulf countries, aiming to counter Pakistan's 'false propaganda.' Furthermore, Owaisi confirmed an alliance offer to the RJD leadership for the Bihar elections, emphasizing the goal to defeat the BJP and NDA. He also spoke about his 'Jai Palestine' slogan in Parliament, urging the Prime Minister to condemn the 'genocide' in Gaza and send aid. 

In an interview on the show UnPolitics, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra discussed a range of topics, including misogyny in Indian society, intra-party dynamics, and political controversies. Moitra addressed her expulsion from Parliament, asserting that the allegations were baseless and expressing calmness in the face of adversity. She spoke about the CBI visiting her parents' house, highlighting her mother's resilience during the ordeal. Moitra clarified a 2015 controversy involving a gesture and shared insights on dealing with political backlash, emphasizing the futility of engaging with problematic individuals. She addressed discrimination against Bengali-speaking migrants, criticizing linguistic profiling and referencing a May 2025 MHA notification targeting BJP-ruled states. Moitra defended the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government's swift response to incidents and cited a NITI Aayog report on job creation. Additionally, she discussed her relationship with party colleagues, her recent marriage, and her personal admiration for actor Pankaj Tripathi.

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound Mix by Rohan Bharti

In an extensive interview, Congress MP and Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi addressed political and personal matters. He described the Congress party as democratic and tolerant of criticism, remarking, “If you can survive in Congress, you can survive anywhere.”

Gogoi accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of remaining in power through alleged criminal activities and claimed Sarma has been fixated on him since his political debut. He dismissed allegations against his wife—a climate change professional—as a “C-grade Bollywood script” and accused the BJP of running a defamation campaign.

Defending Rahul Gandhi, Gogoi called the perception of him being inaccessible “bogus” and praised his emphasis on substance over optics. He spoke about his efforts to rebuild the party in Assam, drawing parallels with the responsibilities Rajiv Gandhi once gave his father in 1986.

Gogoi also expressed concern over Manipur’s situation, saying it has “regressed by 15 years,” and shared insights from his parliamentary experience.

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound Mix by Rohan Bharti

From being the son of Chandrababu Naidu to Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, Nara Lokesh opens up on carving his own path, rebuilding a younger state, and why leadership today means balancing legacy with ground realities. In this candid conversation, he talks reforms, digital governance, gender equity, and the future of the TDP-NDA alliance.

A conversation that looks at Andhra’s revival — through the eyes of its next-generation leader.

Show Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound Mix by Rohan Bharti

From ‘Mama of MP’ to Minister for Farmers, Shivraj Singh Chouhan opens up on power, pain, and political survival. He talks about legacy, leadership, and life beyond the chair—plus the personal toll, party battles, and staying grounded through it all.

A rare, no-holds-barred conversation with one of BJP’s most enduring faces.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari discusses his political journey, influences, and views on various issues, including his involvement in education, agriculture, organic farming, and green energy in the first episode of UnPolitics Podcast with India Today's Preeti Choudhry. He reflects on his early days as a student leader, his admiration for leaders like George Fernandes, and his approach to politics, which focuses on doing good work regardless of party lines. Gadkari addresses the Constitution debate, emphasizing the avoidance of unnecessary controversies, and highlights urgent actions needed to tackle Delhi's pollution crisis, such as green fuel adoption and waste management. He sets an ambitious target of 100 km per day for road construction and discusses innovative approaches to sustainable development, including converting waste into wealth. Gadkari also touches on his political philosophy, the importance of human relationships in politics, and his commitment to development. He defends the government's decision to ban certain Pakistani YouTube channels due to anti-India content and shares insights into his personal life, hobbies, and work-life balance.

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound Mix by Rohan Bharti