On The Record

Tamil Nadu's finance minister and one of the fiercest critiques of the Modi govt, Palanivel Thiagarajan, has criticized the union government over the issue of coal shortage, power crisis, and fuel price hike. In this episode of the On the Record, PTR spoke to Hindustan Times over the ongoing energy crisis, the political situation in the country, and the winning streak of the BJP.

Shehbaz Sharif is the new Prime Minister of Pakistan and he assumed office after Imran Khan was ousted through a no-confidence motion amid an unprecedented week-long drama. Sharif is the younger brother of former PM Nawaz Sharif and used to be chief minister of the Punjab province. So, what does having a new regime in the neighborhood mean for India. To talk about that, we have the former Indian High Commissioner and author of the excellent book on Pakistan TCA Raghavan in this episode of On The Record. Tune in now!

In this episode of 'On The Record', Hindustan Time's Sunetra Choudhury speaks to VN Rai, IPS officer and former head of the Indian Police Academy, about this week's most debatable issue in the parliament, the new Criminal Procedure Identification amendment. During this interview, he discusses and understands what's wrong with the new amendment, whether the new criminal identity law is really draconian?

On this week's episode of On The Record, host Sunetra talks to BJP's MP from Nagaland - Phangnon Konyak who has been victorious in the Assembly Elections 2022 and she also happens to be the first women MP from Nagaland in the Rajya Sabha and the last time that happened was 4 decades ago. Tune in to the conversation where she talks about her education from the DU & why she decided to join BJP!

It's been more than a week since Russia invaded Ukraine and war broke out on February 24. More than 20,000 Indians who were stranded there are young students pursuing their higher education as Ukraine promised them affordable education. When news reports started emerging of a possible strike, they were torn-should they immediately leave and jeopardise their career or could they stay and try to survive? There were mixed signals that they received- from their college authorities and the Indian embassy. HT's Sunetra speaks to two students 21 years old Clifford Ben Samuel from Chennai and 24-year-old Devesha Choudhuary to understand what it means to escape from a war zone.

As the Karnataka high court hears petitions against the hijab ban, Farrah Ahmed, a professor at Melbourne Law School who specialises in Constitutional law and religious freedom, spoke to HT's Sunetra Choudhury about the right to practice faith, privacy, and education.

The Bhartiya Janata Party expelled a sitting minister from its government in Uttarakhand amid reports that he was unhappy and negotiating with Congress. Harak Singh Rawat may be joining the opposition party soon, but he told Sunetra Choudhury that the BJP forced his hand, and his unhappiness was after years of being ignored, and not being allowed to deliver crucial promises to voters in the state.

In an interview with HT's Sunetra Choudhury, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) leader OP Rajbhar said BJP was an enemy of OBCs and more party leaders are expected to quit ahead of the elections.

In this episode, Hindustan Times' Sunetra Choudhury speaks to Gita Gopinath, Chief Economist, IMF about being the first woman to lead the IMF and what she make of all the headlines that are doing the rounds. She also spoke about the state of the world now and the state of women in it.

Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani has turned author with her debut novel “Lal Salaam”, announced publishing house Westland. “Lal Salaam” is the story of a young officer, Vikram Pratap Singh, and of the challenges he faces against a system that is steeped in backroom politics and corruption. Listen to her in conversation with HT's National Political Editor Sunetra Choudhury who speaks to her about her new journey as an author, where she got the idea from, how did she manage the time amidst her political responsibilities, and a lot more.

This week the President of India conferred one of the highest civilian awards to one of the first women in the armed forces Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay who joined the force in 1968. We speak to her as the armed prepares for the first time to receive women NDA cadets. What advice does she have for the new entrants?

It has now been more than a year and a half since Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a standoff at the border. There have been thirteen rounds of talks between the two sides but increasingly, it has become evident, that the two sides may be locked in an impasse. HT interviews the former foreign secretary Nirupama Rao who has just authored a book called The Fractured Himalaya: India Tibet China 1949-62 Listen to her in conversation with HT's National Political Editor Sunetra Choudhury on the way forward between the two countries.

In the latest episode of On the Record, Top defence lawyer Rebecca John speaks to Hindustan Times' National Political Editor, Sunetra Choudhury on the Aryan Khan drugs case. John explains why Shah Rukh Khan's son is still in jail without possession of drugs. Aryan was arrested by NCB earlier this month for his alleged connection to a drugs case. A special court in Mumbai on Wednesday refused to grant bail to Aryan & two others. Listen to the full episode for more.

The situation prevails to tense in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri where the violent clashes claimed eight lives on Sunday. Section 144 has been imposed on several political party workers, even on the big names. In this episode, Hindustan Times' National Political Editor, Sunetra Choudhury speaks to a Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as she shares what all she has faced in the last 2 days as she tried to visit the Lakhimpur Kheri district. Tune in to know more.

Indra Nooyi, the former CEO OF PepsiCo is a popular name in the world of business. She is a rule breaker in her conservative family and in an era in India where it was considered unseemly for young women to exert themselves, she touched new heights and did wonders and became an inspiration for many. In this episode, our host speaks with Indira Nooyi as she shares what it took for her to handle her work, family and raise kids. She reveals about her life and work and some of the key issues faced by women such as pay parity and getting the respect as a woman in her workplace. Tune in now!!

On September 12, 2021, it will be 25 years since the first time the Women's Reservation Bill was introduced in Parliament. Years have passed, however, the Bill continues to languish and is yet to become a reality. In the recent edition of On The Record, CPIM leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat speaks to Hindustan Times' National Political Editor, Sunetra Choudhury and talks about the 25 years of the Women's Reservation Bill. Why is it still pending? Why is it not on top of the agenda of every political party? Listen to the full episode for more.

In the latest episode of On the Record, former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha speaks to Hindustan Times' National Political Editor, Sunetra Choudhury and talks about the recent developments in the war-torn country. The former Afghan envoy explains what the Taliban takeover of the neighboring nation means for India. Watch the full interview for more.

On this episode of On the record listen to a young aid worker from Bengal hiding in Kabul. Wanting to remain hidden out of fear 'AH' tells us how he missed the last flight as he didnt have his covid test printout. He speaks to us as gunshots ring in the background

In this fresh episode of ‘On The Record', National Political Editor Sunetra Choudhury speaks to Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma about the border dispute with Mizoram and the efforts that were made to ease tensions. They talk about the current relation between Assam and Mizoram and explain the whole issue to the listeners. Tune in, now!

In the latest edition of On The Record, Hindustan Times' National Political Editor Sunetra Choudhury catches up with Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen. Dola was among the six MPs who were suspended from the House for a day. On Wednesday, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had suspended the TMC MPs for the day for carrying placards into the well of the House while protesting along with other opposition MPs over the Pegasus issue. The other TMC MPs who were suspended included Md. Nadimul Haque, Abir Ranjan Biswas, Shanta Chhetri, Arpita Ghosh, and Mausam Noor. Listen to the full podcast for more.

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times' Sunetra Choudhury speaks to CPM Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas on Pegasus issue. John Brittas have approached Supreme Court in this regard and opposes the idea of being under constant watch even after living in a democratic country.

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times' Sunetra Choudhury speaks to Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Dhami on why he stopped the religious gathering of Kanwars. The Uttarakhand Government on Tuesday decided to cancel the annual Kanwar Yatra, in view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic situation.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh spoke about his meeting with Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav. Singh said the meeting with Yadav was to discuss how “BJP used money power during the Zila Panchayat Chairperson polls”. The AAP MP demanded suspension of the recent Zila Panchayat Chairperson polls in Uttar Pradesh. Singh also said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will not get more than 100 seats in the upcoming 2022 Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh. Listen to the full podcast for more details.

Many filmmakers have raised concerns at the proposed “Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2021” and believe it could endanger the freedom of expression of cinema. However, the famous film director Shayam Benegal seems to support the government's move. Catch Sunerta Choudhury in conversation with Shayam Benegal to find out why supports the government's move.

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times' Sunetra Choudhury speaks with Professor Chinmay Tumbe on the number of Covid-19 deaths in India. Tumbe, the author of a highly regarded book called 'The Age of Pandemics', has also studied the death toll of the present Covid pandemic. He throws light on the number of excess deaths in some of the large states of the country.

With Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching quickly, the Indian National Congress party suffered a serious blow on June 9. Jitin Prasada, considered a close confidant of Rahul Gandhi, quit the grand old party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Tune in as Hindustan Times' Sunetra Choudhury speaks to Jitin Parsada about what led him to shift to BJP and much more.

In this episode of On The Record HT's Sunetra talks to infectious diseases expert from the University of Maryland, Dr. Faheem Younus who explains when one can take vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 and much more. Tune in to know more

Kerala has just announced its new team of ministers. It has a brand new team and new faces but what many are keen on knowing is why was the health minister KK Shailaja dropped? For this and much more, the new speaker MB Rajesh speaks to Sunetra Choudhury

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times’ National Political Editor, Sunetra Choudhury speaks with Dr. Tom Frieden President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives about the current situation of Covid-19 and vaccination in India. Dr. Frieden said 'Providing clinical care and strategic vaccination can help stop the spread of the virus.' Tune in for more!

The world now watches in horror as India struggles to cope with the second wave of the corona virus in India. The country is seeing a record number of new cases and people dying, many times due to oxygen scarcity. The US has promised help with stocks of vaccines or its raw materials but what more can be done. We speak to Dr Ashish Jha, dean at Brown University

Dr Gagandeep Kang, professor of microbiology at CMC, Vellore, and former chair of an ICMR panel on Covid drugs and vaccines spoke to Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury on the ongoing second wave of the Covid pandemic. Dr Kang said that if there is someone who has been infected with the virus at home, all others in the house should wear masks, even when they are inside. She added that masking up at home is a good advice to follow at this time when cases have seen a steep rise in the capital.

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times' Sunetra Choudhury speaks with Nobel Prize-winning economist and author Amartya Sen about the ongoing West Bengal elections. Polling for the first four phases has been concluded while the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth phases will take place on April 17, 22, 26, and 29 respectively. The counting of votes will take place on May 2.Listen to the full podcast for more details.

On Wednesday, Rajya Sabha cleared the NCT bill which empowers the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi with powers over all of the Delhi Government's decisions. It appears to be in direct contradiction to what the Supreme Court ordered in 2018 but the Bhartiya Janata Party and Central Government say that it is only clarifying what is already on paper. What is the reality? Does this mean that the Aam Aadmi Party becomes ineffectual and merely a rubber stamp? HT's national political editor speaks to top constitutional lawyer Rajeev Dhawan for answers to all of these questions

Over the last few days, the country has watched shocked as the National Investigation Agency arrested encounter specialist police officer Sachin Vaze. Vaze is known to be close to the Shiv Sena but how do police officers like him operate. India’s first woman chief of the Mumbai Crime Branch talks to HT's Sunetra about what she calls daredevil policemen she met and dealt with.

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury speaks with the deputy chief minister of Haryana, Dushyant Chautala about the 75% job quota for locals in the state and how industry says it will destroy ease of business.

On the day that India began inoculating members of the general population against Covid-19, RS Sharma, CEO of National Health Authority, spoke on the programme. He called the vaccination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'major boost' for the drive. He also projected a daily vaccination target of 27 lakh in the near future. Sharma also explained the process of registration for vaccination for those aged 60 and above, and those aged 45+ with comorbidities. Listen to the full episode for more.

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury speaks with Ex-leader of Trinamool Congress Dinesh Trivedi about the party, corruption and BJP’s offer. Trivedi said, “Why should I have to go by BJP? The people of the state are saying it." He added, “When asked I said it would be a privilege to join the BJP as it is the number 1 party in the world. Sitaram Yechury is also a good friend, so is Uddhav Thackeray. I met Sharad Pawar the other day. Everybody is a friend. I have seen it all.” Trivedi joined a long list of TMC leaders who have left the ruling party ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections. Listen to the full episode for more.

In the latest episode of On The Record, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who will be ending his Rajya Sabha stint on Monday after a four-decade-long career in Parliament, spoke to Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury and Saubhadra Chatterji about his farewell by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speculation that he may join the BJP, about being a ‘Hindustani Muslim’, and the thinking behind the letter written by the ‘Group of 23’, among other issues. Listen to the full episode for more.

In the latest episode of On The Record with Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury speaks to former chief election commissioner Dr. SY Quraishi. The former CEC busts population myths. Dr. Quraishi talks about polygamy behind the population explosion and how Muslims are not the most polygamous. Listen to the full episode for more.

In the latest Podcast of 'On The Record' , Sunetra Choudhury and Janata Dal (United) president and Rajya Sabha member Ram Chandra Prasad (RCP) Singh spoke on the ongoing farmer’s agitation against the Centre’s three new farm laws. "Everyone agrees that farmers need to do well, their incomes need to increase. A farmers' organisation is different from a political party. So if you bring in a political agenda, then that has a different platform," he said. Singh also talked about the violence on Republic Day in Delhi, SC judgement on farm laws and why the Americans are wrong on the same.

In the latest episode of On The Record with Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury, Chief Economic Advisor, Krishnamurthy Subramanian responded to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s inequality charge. Subramanian said, “I think we have to look at the strength of the economic argument other than the person making the argument. The chapter that we have written in the Economic Survey on inequality and growth, I think has a resounding answer to arguments like these. I think these commentaries are based on conversations in advanced economies where there is a conflict between inequality and growth.” He added, “In India, this kind of tension doesn't manifest itself, whether you look at education, health outcomes, crime, mental health, all kinds of indicators.”

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury speaks to former vice president Hamid Ansari on Parliament impasse. Ansari said that the boycott of the President’s address by Opposition parties may be a symbolic move but the hostility between the ruling party and the opposition is becoming ‘ugly’. This comes after leaders of 17 political parties said they will boycott President Ram Nath Kovind’s address to Parliament to express protest over the new agriculture laws. Listen to the full episode for more details.

Is there an arithmetical challenge to the BJP's chances of winning in Bengal? @SaugataRoyMP tells HT’s Sunetra Choudhary that you can't exclude muslims from your politics in the state and still expect to win.

In this interview with host Sunetra Choudhury, Kailash Vijayvargiya spells out BJP’s strategy ahead of Bengal Polls. Vijayvargiya says TMC leaders are unhappy with CM’s support of her nephew and his style of working which is why they are joining them. 

On this episode, we speak to Vinay Sitapati about his new book Jugalbandi that takes us back to the beginning of the BJP and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani leadership. Did they hate each other and who was the woman Vajpayee defied the RSS for?

One of the biggest failures in Bihar election 2020 was of the Congress party. While Congress says they were given tough seats, CWC member Tariq Anwar has admitted that the problem was entirely their own. He speaks to Hindustan Times' political editor Sunetra Choudhury about where the problem lies for the party.

In this episode, an Indian politician, writer and former international diplomat, Dr. Shashi Tharoor dialogues with Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury. A heart to heart discussion is held on ongoing US Presidential elections. In this conversation, Dr. Shashi Tharoor gives a brief regarding US voters and the politics in the state. Tune in to know more.

Harvard Professor Martin Kulldorff, in an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury, explains why schools should open now. Schools have been shut in India since March in view of Covid-19 pandemic. Professor Kulldorff also explains about the Great Barrington Declaration.

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury speaks to author Suraj Yengde about what the Hathras case tells one about the status of Dalits in India. A 19-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly gang-raped in UP's Hathras by four men in her village on Sep 14 when she went to a farm. She was taken to a hospital in Aligarh and later moved to Safdarjung hospital in Delhi where she breathed her last on September 29. 

The demolition of Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, changed the course of India’s history. As the CBI special court acquitted LK Advani, MM Joshi, Uma Bharti among others, top lawyer Yug Mohit Chaudhry looks at the larger implication of the verdict. Why is it that CBI failed to get any evidence after 28 years?

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury speaks to Shiromani Akali Dal chief, Sukhbir Singh Badal. They talk about the recent Farm Bills that were passed by the Rajya Sabha, and his appeal to the president not to sign it.