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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]

2024 Lok Sabha Elections

Bollywood actor Neha Sharma campaigns for her father Ajit Sharma in Bhagalpur, Bihar

The Bollywood actor posted a video on her Instagram handle which showed her journey through various districts of Bihar, including Kishanganj, Banka, Purnea and Katihar. She was dressed in a traditional salwar kameez and was seen greeting and encouraging the public to cast their votes.

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Bollywood actor Neha Sharma’s recent participation in a roadshow in Bihar has taken the internet by storm. Sharma, known for her roles in films like Tum Bin 2 and Crook, was seen supporting her father, Ajit Sharma, who is contesting from Bhagalpur Lok Sabha seat on a Congress ticket. The roadshow came amid speculations that the actor might enter politics. But, it is now clear that she was just campaigning for her father.

neha sharma

The Bollywood actor posted a video on her Instagram handle which showed her journey through various districts of Bihar, including Kishanganj, Banka, Purnea and Katihar. She was dressed in a traditional salwar kameez and was seen greeting and encouraging the public to cast their votes.

The actor received a warm reception and love from a large crowd in Pirpainti and Kahalgaon during her roadshow. She wrote on Instagram that it is said when someone gives one a place in their heart, then they live there forever. She said her heart is full of all the love and support she was receiving from the people. She thanked the people for the warm welcome she got in Pirpainti and Kahalgaon. Aapka pyar sar ankhon par.

Another video, circulating on social media showed the actor actively participating in her father’s election campaign in Bhagalpur. The election to the Bhagalpur Lok Sabha seat is set to take place in the 2nd phase on April 26. Ajit Sharma is representing the Congress and is up against JDU’s Ajay Kumar Mandal in this seat.

Earlier, there had been rumours and speculations that Neha Sharma might join politics. But many reports have clarified that she is not making her political debut yet. The Bollywood actor had been offered the opportunity to join politics by her father Ajjit Sharma but she is currently focusing on her acting career.

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Education

Farmer’s son Nilkrishna Gajare Nirmalkumar from Maharashtra scores 100 NTA score in IIT-JEE Mains 2024

Nilkrishna Gajare’s father is a farmer and had to discontinue his own education after Class 12 as he faced financial difficulties. Gajare faced financial challenges growing up. However, his unwavering dedication and strategic approach to preparation set him apart from the crowd.

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Nilkrishna Gajare, who hails from Maharashtra’s Washim, achieved an extraordinary feat by securing a perfect score of 100 in the JEE Main 2024 examination. His journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success is a source of inspiration for many people.

Nilkrishna Gajare’s father is a farmer and had to discontinue his own education after Class 12 as he faced financial difficulties. Gajare faced financial challenges growing up. However, his unwavering dedication and strategic approach to preparation set him apart from the crowd, which resulted in his remarkable achievement of emerging as topper of one of India’s toughest Engineering entrance exams.

Nilkrishna Gajare had a strategic plan that helped him succeed in IIT-JEE 2024. According to Nilkrishna persistence is important and one should never stop trying until they understand a topic. He said being curious and asking questions are important traits of a good student.  He said one should not be ashamed of asking questions.

Nilkrishna spent around 10-15 hours every day studying on his own for the JEE Main exam. He mentioned that he used his class notes for Physics and Physical Chemistry. For organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry, he relied on both notes and practice questions.

As for Mathematics, he believed that practicing regularly was the most important thing for him. Other interests of Nilkrishna include archery. He has participated at both state and national levels, and he finds joy in the sport.  He said archery helps him understand the importance of focusing his attention on his goals. Nilkrishna likes watching movies and said they are a great source of enjoyment and relaxation.

He likes to watch a movie after exams and occasionally treats himself to one each week too. Gajare aims to keep up the pace for the JEE-Advanced exam and hopes to get into the IITs. He said he wants to secure admission in IIT-Bombay in the computer science branch.

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2024 Lok Sabha Elections

Lok Sabha elections: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav files nomination from Kannauj

The Samajwadi Party has announced Akhilesh Yadav as its official candidate for the Kannauj Lok Sabha seat today

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Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, submitted his nomination for the Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency ahead of tomorrow’s second round of voting. In front of Ram Gopal Yadav and other party leaders, the chief of the SP, who had previously contested the seat in 2000, 2004 and 2009, submitted the nomination.

Speaking with media, Ram Gopal Yadav said that SP would win the seat by a huge margin. The BJP candidate might lose his deposit in the seat, he said.

The Samajwadi Party has completely reversed its earlier plan to field former Mainpuri MP Tej Pratap Singh Yadav as their candidate, which is a significant political development.

Earlier, Akhilesh Yadav told reporters, people will find out when the nomination takes place, in reference to the speculations that he will contest for the seat. The historic victory of Kannauj is the subject of inquiry.

The former chief minister continued, the people have decided that the India bloc is coming as the future and the BJP will be history in this election.

Notably, elections for the Kannauj seat are scheduled for May 13, which would intensify the political drama that is now playing out in Uttar Pradesh. Previously regarded as the Samajwadi Party’s stronghold, the seat was lost by the party in the 2019 election when Subrat Pathak of the BJP won with a resounding victory.

The candidates competing for the following Uttar Pradesh seats will find out their destiny in the second round of voting, which is scheduled for tomorrow, Amroha, Meerut, Mathura, Baghpat, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Bulandshahar.

Notably, two Bollywood celebrities running as BJP candidates in the second round are Hema Malini from Mathura and Arun Govil from Meerut. There are 91 contestants from UP competing in the second phase.

The seats in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Mathura are up for grabs, with a maximum of 15 applicants per seat. In Bulandshahr, six candidates are vying for the presidency. There are twelve contenders running in Amroha, eight in Meerut, seven in Baghpat, and fourteen in Ghaziabad and Aligarh.

1,67,77,198 votes will decide these candidates’ fates.

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