English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

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

Published

on

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]JTNDYmxvY2txdW90ZSUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydHdpdHRlci10d2VldCUyMiUyMGRhdGEtbGFuZyUzRCUyMmVuJTIyJTNFJTNDcCUyMGxhbmclM0QlMjJlbiUyMiUyMGRpciUzRCUyMmx0ciUyMiUzRSUzQ2ElMjBocmVmJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ0d2l0dGVyLmNvbSUyRmhhc2h0YWclMkZORFRWJTNGc3JjJTNEaGFzaCUyMiUzRSUyM05EVFYlM0MlMkZhJTNFJTIwdGVsbHMlMjBCU0UlMjB0aGVyZSUyNiUyMzM5JTNCcyUyMG5vJTIwY2hhbmdlJTIwaW4lMjBvd25lcnNoaXAlMjAtJTIwJTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnQuY28lMkZDOVJweDBEcnc3JTIyJTNFaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ0LmNvJTJGQzlScHgwRHJ3NyUzQyUyRmElM0UlM0MlMkZwJTNFJTI2bWRhc2glM0IlMjBTdXBhcm5hJTIwU2luZ2glMjAlMjglNDBTdXBhcm5hX1NpbmdoJTI5JTIwJTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnR3aXR0ZXIuY29tJTJGU3VwYXJuYV9TaW5naCUyRnN0YXR1cyUyRjkxMTE0NDM5NDQwNDY3NTU4NCUyMiUzRVNlcHRlbWJlciUyMDIyJTJDJTIwMjAxNyUzQyUyRmElM0UlM0MlMkZibG9ja3F1b3RlJTNFJTBBJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwYXN5bmMlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjIlMkYlMkZwbGF0Zm9ybS50d2l0dGVyLmNvbSUyRndpZGdldHMuanMlMjIlMjBjaGFyc2V0JTNEJTIydXRmLTglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlMEE=[/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]

India News

PM Modi joins fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuriya in Swachhata Hi Seva campaign | Watch here

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, PM modi shared a video of him doing the cleanliness work with the influnecer.

Published

on

PM Modi

A day before Gandhi Jayanti, PM Modi participated with fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuriya in participated in the Shramdaan for cleanliness campaign as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, PM modi shared a video of him doing the cleanliness work with the influnecer. Sharing the video he wrote, today, when the country focused on Swachhata, Ankit Baiyanpuriya and he did the same! Beyond only hygiene, they included wellness and fitness in the mix as well. It is all about that Swachh and Swasth Bharat vibe.

PM Modi can be heard asking Ankit in the video that how the Swachhata mission will benefit his physical health. Ankit responds, it’s up to us to maintain our environment clean. They’ll stay in shape if it stays clean.

Ankit added that Sonipat’s residents have been emphasising hygiene.

Fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria, a former desi wrestler from Bayanpur, Sonipat, has earned notoriety for his advocacy of conventional and regional training techniques.

Ankit gained fresh notoriety earlier this year when he introduced the strenuous 75-day Hard Challenge to improve his mental toughness and self-control.

Ankit, who was raised by labourer parents, is well known on social media for his flawless training methods and distinctive routines that not only prioritise physical fitness but also encompass mental well-being with books like the Bhagavad Gita.

Ankit had to change his strategy in 2022 after dislocating his shoulder while participating in mud wrestling. He started documenting his fitness progress on Instagram.

He first learned about Andy Frisella’s 75-day Hard Challenge while learning fitness. In just 28 days, Ankit has accumulated more than 2.5 million followers! Ankit now has 4.9 million Instagram followers.

Leaders from all over the nation participated in the Shramdaan for Cleanliness session as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign on Sunday after Modi urged citizens to participate in a cleanliness drive on October 1.

A number of Union ministers and MPs were spotted taking part in the nationwide cleanup effort for the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, including BJP leader JP Nadda and Union home minister Amit Shah.

Continue Reading

India News

Uttar Pradesh: Differently abled woman dragged on road by police constables in Hardoi, investigation underway

SP Keshav Chandra Goswami added that the circumstances of the incident are being investigated and erring officers will be punished if they are proven guilty.

Published

on

Uttar Pradesh: Differently abled woman dragged on road by police constables in Hardoi, investigation underway

In a shocking incident, a differently-abled woman was dragged on the road by police constables at Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh. An investigation has been ordered into the matter after the video went viral across the social media platforms. Reports said that Superintendent of Police, Keshav Chandra Goswami took cognisance of the matter and directed a departmental enquiry into the incident.

The viral video that went viral across social media platforms showed a woman being dragged on the road by two police officers. The horrific incident took place outside the office of Superintendent of Police on Saturday. The video showed the woman being escorted by two police officers to the police station. 

In the video, one woman officer is seen holding the woman by her leg and then being dragged along the ground towards the police station. While walking, the woman sat down in protest, following which the officers dragged her away. 

Reports said that the woman is differently abled and has come to the SP’s office with a complaint after a dispute with her husband. However, instead of lodging her complaint, she attempted to climb the wall of the Superintendent of Police office.

The disturbing video highlights the high-handedness and coarse attitude of Uttar Pradesh police in dealing with the public. Speaking about the harrowing incident, SP Keshav Chandra Goswami added that the circumstances of the incident are being investigated and erring officers will be punished if they are proven guilty.

Hardoi police asserted that Shilpa Kumar has been assigned to address the woman’s complaint. They added that one of the woman police officials involved in the matter has been suspended. In addition, the two accused PRD policewoman, who are seen in the video, have been taken off duty and an inquiry has been ordered against them. Social media users have heavily criticized the behaviour of the police officials and called for immediate actions.

Continue Reading

India News

Swachhata Hi Seva: Home Minister Amit Shah cleans roads, participates in Shramdaan for Cleanliness program in Ahmedabad | Watch here

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to take part in the campaign Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath on October 1 at 10 am on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

Published

on

Swachhata Hi Seva: Home Minister Amit Shah cleans roads, participates in Shramdaan for Cleanliness program in Ahmedabad | Watch here

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday took part in the Shramdaan for cleanliness program under Swachhata Hi Seva campaign in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Along with other leaders, the Home Minister can be seen cleaning a road in Ahmedabad. Beside Amit Shah, various political leaders from across the country joined hands and actively participated in the call for cleanliness drive by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  

The Prime Minister urged citizens to take part in the campaign Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath on October 1 at 10 am on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. The initiative is a part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan that conforms with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision for clean India. 

Union Minister Piyush Goyal along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla participated in the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign in Kota, Rajasthan. On the other hand, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde actively took part in a cleanliness drive in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also participated in the Swachheta Hi Seva campaign in Sitapur.

On Saturday, BJP President JP Nadda and Union Minister of State for Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi took part in the cleanliness drive at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru stadium. At the event, Meenakshi Lekhi slammed the AAP government and stated that they are not working regarding the segregation of waste. Union Minister Raj K Singh also participated in the Clean India drive in the national capital. 

Meanwhile, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar took part in the campaign at Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi. While participating in the campaign at Gurugram, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw affirmed that a 14 minute clean-up protocol has been prepared for the Vande Bharat trains today and will be carried out at 35 places.

At the 105th episode of Mann ki Baat, PM Modi stated that a major cleanliness event is scheduled for October 1 at 10 AM. 

Continue Reading

Trending

-->

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com