EP-401 | Manickam Tagore on Tamil Nadu Polls, Vijay, Stalin, Modi, Rahul & Freebies

EP-401 | Manickam Tagore on Tamil Nadu Polls, Vijay, Stalin, Modi, Rahul & Freebies

Author: Asian News International (ANI) March 29, 2026 Duration: 1:20:57

Manickam Tagore is an Indian National Congress MP representing the Virudhunagar constituency in Tamil Nadu. He serves as Whip of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha and is the All India Congress Committee in-charge of Andhra Pradesh.


In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses the Opposition’s strategy in Parliament, the DMK–Congress alliance, actor Vijay, freebies politics, Congress’ organisational challenges, and the BJP’s presence in Tamil Nadu.



*Timestamps*


00:00 - Introduction

00:22 - Lok Sabha Suspension Revoked

04:25 - DMK–Congress Alliance

08:16 - National Parties in Tamil Nadu

16:28 - Modi vs Rahul Popularity

21:27 - Power Sharing with DMK

26:08 - The Vijay Challenge

35:58 - Tamil Nadu Media

37:21 - Alliance Dynamics in Tamil Nadu

40:24 - Politics of Freebies

46:57 - Rahul as Congress Face

49:42 - Why Rahul Gets Angry

53:50 - Digital Marketing by Political Parties

55:42 - Ravneet Singh Bittu

1:04:28 - Congress Cadre

1:14:23 - Caste Politics in Tamil Nadu


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.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
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