There is a lot of conjecture on social media around the sudden removal of veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai from India Today. Megha Prasad, a journalist for ABP News, said in a mysterious tweet that “a powerful figure in media has been shown the door” without mentioning specific names. This quickly led many to assume that she was referring to Sardesai, particularly in light of his divisive comments regarding PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), which provoked intense criticism following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, when national sentiment was at an all-time high.
The fire was further stoked by posts on X (previously Twitter), where many claimed Sardesai had been fired because of his increasingly divisive views and the channel’s mounting internal unease.
The PoK Comment That Triggered Outrage
Online watchers speculate that Sardesai’s recent remarks during a televised debate on PoK may have been the initial catalyst. He cautioned against trying to retake the PoK and controversially recommended that India think about establishing the Line of Control (LoC) as the international border.
He also cautioned against undervaluing Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, a remark that drew harsh condemnation from those who thought it sounded too pessimistic and defeatist. His comments were called defeatist and anti-national by his detractors, who said he was inciting fear and following Pakistan’s lead, especially at a time when India is becoming more and more in agreement to reclaim its illegally occupied territories
Past Controversies and Disciplinary Action
Rajdeep Sardesai is no stranger to controversy, having faced public backlash on multiple occasions in the past. Back in January 2021, during the farmers’ protest, he was taken off-air for two weeks and had a month’s salary deducted by India Today after tweeting misinformation. He claimed a protestor had died due to police firing during the Republic Day tractor rally—only for it to later be confirmed that the death occurred when the person’s tractor overturned. The misleading statement sparked significant backlash, ultimately prompting the channel to take strict disciplinary measures.
Conflict of Interest and Allegations of Bias
Sardesai has frequently been charged with openly opposing Prime Minister Modi and the BJP and showing partiality to opposition parties. After his wife, Sagarika Ghose, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), a party that is adamantly hostile to the BJP, these accusations became more serious. This sparked debate about possible conflicts of interest and journalistic objectivity.
Sardesai’s tone has become more and more like that of an opposition spokesman after her selection, according to critics, rather than that of an impartial journalist. Both viewers and media commentators have taken note of his persistent criticism of the Modi government and his silence or deflection on the shortcomings of the opposition
Is India Today Drawing the Line?
Although India Today has not yet released an official statement, there is still conjecture that his resignation, if it is real, could be a calculated editorial move to restore equilibrium. According to certain rumours, the channel, which has long been accused of supporting partisan journalists, has made the decision to curb individuals whose animosity towards Modi runs the risk of escalating into animosity towards India as a whole. It’s probable that India Today is separating itself from someone whose apparent prejudices have turned into a liability in light of the increasing public criticism and condemnation of Sardesai’s style of journalism.
What’s Next for Rajdeep Sardesai?
Sardesai might soon be added to the list of partisan media personalities fired for promoting propaganda while posing as journalists, if the reports are accurate. He might resort to YouTube, like others before him like Ravish Kumar, Abhisar Sharma, and Ajit Anjum, and say he was kicked off for asking “uncomfortable questions.” Without editorial control, he might continue to express his increasingly divisive opinions on Indian politics there in an echo chamber with little responsibility.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on public speculation and unconfirmed conversations that are going around on social media. Regarding his position at the channel, Rajdeep Sardesai and India Today have not yet made an official declaration.