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Ajay Singh, man who coined BJP’s Ab ki Baar Modi Sarkar slogan, picks controlling stake in NDTV

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Ajay Singh

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Though sources in the channel denied reports of the SpiceJet owner buying a 40 per cent stake, speculation rife that the Roys will lose editorial control

In a development that, if true, could significantly change the narrative of the news reportage at NDTV – one of the few television news platforms critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government’s policies – SpiceJet owner and BJP ‘insider’ Ajay Singh has reportedly picked up a 40 per cent state in the channel.

On Friday, a report in The Indian Express claimed that Singh – a man credited with coining the BJP’s popular 2014 poll slogan Ab Ki Baar Modi Sarkar – “will have controlling stake in NDTV of around 40 per cent and the promoters Prannoy and Radhika Roy will hold around 20 per cent in the company.”

Given the channel’s poor financial health amid a rising debt burden – estimated to be at around Rs 400 crore – and an ongoing CBI investigation against its founders Prannoy and Radhika Roy and promoter firm RRPR Holding Pvt Ltd for allegedly concealing a share transaction, The Indian Express report has evoked wide interest among mediapersons as well as those who follow NDTV closely.

Prannoy Roy

However, while the channel’s managing editor and director of strategy, Suparna Singh has denied the report through a tweet on Friday afternoon, sources in NDTV too claimed that “not even a single sentence of the (Indian Express) report is true.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Yet, despite the official denial by the channel – though the Roys were yet to comment on the purported development – there’s some reason to explore whether NDTV was preparing to transfer a significant chunk of its ownership and editorial control to Singh, who is also the co-founder and owner of SpiceJet airline.

Since Modi’s anointment as Prime Minister in 2014, NDTV – especially its prime time slot on the Hindi channel NDTVIndia that is anchored by Ravish Kumar – has often been criticised and hailed in equal measure for putting the Centre on the mat over its policies and perceived support to communal and Hindutva fringe elements. NDTV’s English and Hindi channels have both been critical of Modi’s demonetisation policy, his government’s failure in improving the country’s economy and reining in gau rakshaks and lynch mobs. A few months back, senior journalist Nidhi Razdan, the popular anchor of the English channel’s – NDTV24X7 – Left, Right & Centre show had asked BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra to leave her show when he alleged that the channel was “pursuing an agenda” against him and his party.

Trolls on Twitter – most of whom are admirers of Modi and his government and some who are even followed by the Prime Minister on Twitter – have frequently singled out NDTV, its promoters and anchors like Ravish and Nidhi, for criticising the Centre on key policy issues and have on most occasions hurled abuses at them and issued various threats.

Given this turbulent relationship between the Modi sarkar and the channel, its promoters and anchors, and the fact that a majority of the mainstream news channels are currently viewed as those that look at the Centre ‘more favourably’, it had often been speculated in the media that it was only a matter of time before NDTV have to pick one of at least four options. These were: to shut down, face greater CBI scrutiny, change its editorial narrative or let someone more favourably inclined towards the Modi government to take control of the channel.

It is in this backdrop that The Indian Express report about Ajay Singh taking over the editorial control of the channel through a purported Rs 600 crore deal seems to be gaining traction among media persons, NDTV fans and critics alike.

If Singh takes over the stakes in NDTV – something sources close to him say is going to happen – the company’s channels will, in all likelihood, not take a divergent or critical view of the Centre’s policy or political initiatives, particularly if rumours of Prannoy and Radhika Roy willing to sign over their editorial control of the group to the SpiceJet owner are proved to be true.

Singh’s association with the BJP is a well established fact. As The Indian Express report points out: “Singh served as OSD (officer on special duty) to (the late former Union minister) Pramod Mahajan during the first NDA government. It was in this period that he played an active role in the launch of DD Sports and was also behind the planning of DD News. Singh played a role in 2014 Lok Sabha campaign of the BJP as part of the core advertising/campaigning team.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Cricket news

IPL 2024: CSK’s Pathirana returns to Sri Lanka due to hamstring injury

The right-arm pacer played six matches in IPL 2024 picking up 13 wickets at an economy of 7.68 for CSK

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Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana of the Chennai Super Kings suffered a serious setback on Sunday before of their IPL 2024 encounter against Punjab Kings. Pathirana, who suffered hamstring injury, will have to head back home to to Sri Lanka for a proper treatment and recovery.

The right-arm bowler, who took 13 wickets at an economy of 7.68 in six IPL 2024 matches, has been a star performer for CSK during an otherwise uneven season. Whether he will return later in the season is yet unknown to the team.

This incident coincides with worries about Deepak Chahar’s health. Earlier this week, he bowled just two deliveries in the match against Punjab Kings at the Chepauk before he strained his hamstring. The CEO of the Chennai Super Kings, Kasi Viswanathan, believes it is extremely improbable that Chahar will play for the rest of the season. The status of Deepak’s injury is not favorable. He had said on Friday that he won’t say Chahar  is ruled out of the season, but it is doubtful.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s star cricketer Mustafizur Rahman left the Chennai Super Kings camp to play for his country in the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. With 14 wickets in just nine matches, the left-arm bowler was the leading wicket-taker for CSK this season.

Chennai has five wins and an equal number of losses in 10 matches in the on-going season, and they are now ranked fifth in the points table. In to compete again against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, the five-time champions hope to strengthen their case for playoff qualifying. In the match at Chepauk, PBKS had beaten the team Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team by seven games.

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India News

Wrestler Bajrang Punia suspended by National Anti Doping Body after failing to give urine sample

Bajrang Punia, who won the country a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, is likely to be barred from participation in the selection trials that are scheduled for later this month. No Indian has yet won an Olympic quota in the 65kg category.

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Wrestler Bajrang Punia was suspended indefinitely by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), which could have an impact on his eligibility to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Sources claim that on March 10, Punia neglected to submit a urine sample for the Sonepat selection trials, which is why NADA issued the order barring him from taking part in any events going forward.

With subject to paragraph 4:1:2 below and in accordance with article 7.4 of the NADR 2021, Bajrang Punia has been immediately provisionally suspended from participation in any competition or activity prior to the final decision reached at a hearing in this matter, according to an official release from NADA dated April 23.

Punia was in the forefront of accusations of sexual harassment made against former BJP MP and president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, along with a number of other elite wrestlers, such as Olympians Sakshi Malik and Vinesh.

The star wrestler, who earned the country’s bronze medal in the Olympics in Tokyo, will probably not be allowed to take part in the selection trials later this month due to his suspension in light of the allegations. In the 65kg division, no Indian has yet to win an Olympic quota.

India’s Sujeet Kalkal will compete in the World Qualifiers, which begin on May 9 in Istanbul.

The notice of suspension was sent not to the federation recognized by United World Wrestling (UWW), but to the now-defunct ad hoc committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Punia rejected the directive of the drug control officer, alleging that NADA officials had not yet addressed his concerns. A few months before, Punia had uploaded a video purporting to have expired dope-collecting equipment.

The dope-collecting officer’s report states that he was told that his refusal would result in a warning for violating anti-doping regulations, but he still left.

Punia was asked to provide a written explanation by May 7th for his denial of providing a urine sample and supporting evidence.

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Entertainment

Kareena Kapoor appointed UNICEF India national ambassador, says it’s an emotional day for her

Kareena Kapoor expressed her happiness after she was appointed UNICEF India National Ambassador.

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Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor, has been named the National Ambassador of Unicef India. In 2014, she became the organization’s first Celebrity Advocate. Kareena was driven to tears during her address onstage at her recent appointment ceremony. Adding yet another significant success to Kapoor’s already impressive resume is this new responsibility.

Kareena showed her appreciation and joy at being named the National Ambassador for Unicef India in an Instagram post on May 4. She underlined how committed she is to protecting children’s rights and making sure every child has an equitable future. Kareena thought back on her ten years of working with Unicef India, calling it enlightening and brightening.

Taking to Instagram, Kareena wrote, it is an emotional day for her. Being named the National Ambassador for UNICEF India is an honour for her, she added. The actor mentioned in her note that over the past ten years, working with UNICEF India has been incredibly instructive and enriching. She said she is happy of the work they’ve accomplished and she is reaffirming my commitment to speak out in favor of children’s rights and an equal future for all of them, she added.

The Crew  actor emphasized the value of defending children’s rights upon her appointment, pointing out that they are the next generation. She committed to utilizing her position to speak up for children who are at risk, concentrating on matters such as gender equality, education, and early childhood development. Kareena restated her conviction that every child is entitled to an equal opportunity and a promising future.

Regarding work front, Kareena is now enjoying the success of Crew, in which she starred alongside Tabu and Kriti Sanon.

Under the direction of Rajesh A. Krishnan, Crew centers on the journeys of three employed women against the backdrop of the aviation sector. In addition, Diljit Dosanjh, Kapil Sharma, Rajesh Sharma, Saswata Chatterjee, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda feature in the film.

She will be next seen in Hansal Mehta’s The Buckingham Murders in the upcoming months. She will be also seen in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again.

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