RSS leader reveals how media anchor incited him to spread Islamophobia
New Delhi: The alignment of Indian media anchors with Hindutva ideology to promote Islamophobia has come under renewed scrutiny following a startling revelation by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Rakesh Sinha.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking at a seminar titled “The Future of Muslims in Today’s India,” Sinha disclosed that a prominent TV anchor once coached him to make anti-Muslim remarks during a debate.
According to Sinha, the anchor directed him to target Muslim practices, including beards and skull caps, to provoke controversy and fuel heated arguments that would ensure the program trended on social media platforms like Twitter. The revelation highlights how sections of Indian media, often referred to as “Godi media” for their perceived allegiance to the BJP and RSS, have systematically vilified minorities, especially Muslims, in televised debates.
Sinha admitted that this incident occurred before his Rajya Sabha tenure, adding, “It had become a business for me to appear on TV channels from 4 pm to 11 pm. Anchors knew how to manipulate debates to gain attention.”
The revelation has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics accusing media outlets of abandoning journalistic integrity to amplify divisive narratives aligned with the ruling party’s agenda. Activists and political commentators have called for immediate reforms to hold media accountable for perpetuating communal hatred. KMS-7K