EP-390 | John Brittas on Kerala Model, Hindutva Politics, Congress, Communism & Malayalam Cinema

EP-390 | John Brittas on Kerala Model, Hindutva Politics, Congress, Communism & Malayalam Cinema

Author: Asian News International (ANI) February 19, 2026 Duration: 1:18:53

John Brittas wears many hats: parliamentarian, journalist, Managing Director and Chief Editor of Malayalam Communications Limited, which runs Kairali TV and Kairali News. He is currently the CPI(M) Parliamentary Party Leader in the Rajya Sabha.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he speaks about the decline of communism in India and across the world, and why the Left struggles to connect with a wider audience today. He discusses the Kerala model, migration from the state, and Kerala’s social harmony.

He argues that Hindutva politics will not click in Kerala and says the BJP is unlikely to become a major force there in the near future. He also speaks about the Congress and claims it continues to follow a “right-wing economic ideology.”

The conversation also covers the India–US trade deal, the 2008 nuclear deal, the UPA era, Pinarayi Vijayan’s leadership, and the strength of Malayalam cinema.


00:00 – Introduction

01:11 – Why Communism is Failing in India

10:38 – Kerala’s Vibrant Culture

12:28 – How CPI(M) Is So Powerful in Kerala

23:55 – India–US Nuclear Deal

26:15 – India–US Trade Deal

33:08 – The Kerala Ecosystem

36:16 – Why Kerala Supports the Left

40:57 – Can Kerala Inspire a Left Revival?

43:23 – BJP’s Prospects in Kerala

52:55 – Religious Harmony in Kerala

58:20 – BJP’s Mayoral Win

1:05:14 – Life as a Journalist

1:10:56 – Malayalam Cinema

1:14:49 – Political Leadership in India

1:15:56 – Pinarayi Vijayan’s Leadership Style


Conversations that shape our world often happen behind closed doors or in the quiet moments after the headlines fade. ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash pulls up a chair to those discussions, offering a direct line to the minds of influential figures. Hosted by veteran journalist Smita Prakash, this series moves beyond the soundbite, creating a space where politicians, athletes, artists, and thinkers can explore the nuances of the issues that define contemporary India and global affairs. The dialogue here is driven by curiosity and a commitment to depth, allowing guests to elaborate on their perspectives, their decisions, and the personal experiences that inform their public lives. You will hear candid reflections on current events, policy debates, and cultural shifts, all through the lens of those at the center of the story. Produced by Asian News International, the podcast leverages a legacy of journalistic access and integrity, ensuring every conversation is both insightful and substantive. It’s more than an interview; it’s an opportunity to understand the motivations and narratives driving today’s news. For anyone looking to move past the surface and engage with the substance of politics, society, and human endeavor, this podcast provides a consistently thoughtful and compelling listen.
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ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
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