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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi has publicly criticized journalist Rajdeep Sardesai. She threw the mic in a fit and called journalist Sardesai a political propagandist for lowering her fader during a debate. This has ignited a heated exchange between the two public figures.
NEW DELHI: Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi has publicly criticized journalist Rajdeep Sardesai following an incident during a live debate on Thursday. She threw the mic in a fit and called journalist Sardesai a political propagandist for lowering her fader during a debate. This has ignited a heated exchange between the two public figures.
The conflict erupted during a debate on “Politics over Kargil Vijay Diwas,” hosted by Sardesai. The discussion became contentious when Major General Yash Mor (retired) criticized the current recruitment policies of the Indian Armed Forces, noting a decline in the attractiveness of military careers among rural youth post-COVID.
Ilmi, a participant in the debate, interrupted Major General Mor. Sardesai intervened, urging Ilmi to allow Mor to finish his points. This led to a verbal exchange, with Ilmi accusing Sardesai of sermonizing and displaying bias.
Criticising Rajdeep, Ilmi expressed her discontent on X (formerly Twitter), ‘Don’t you ever bring down my fader again. Remember, I have been on both sides and know how to handle bullies like you. By the way, it doesn’t behove political propagandists masquerading as journalists to sermonise.’
@sardesairajdeep @IndiaToday @aajtak
Don’t you ever bring down my Fader again.
Remember I have been on both the sides and know how to handle bullies like you.
BTW it doesn’t behove political propagandists masquerading as journalists to sermonise.
And learn your facts…
— Shazia Ilmi (@shaziailmi) July 26, 2024
Sardesai responded with a video on X, where he refuted Ilmi’s claims. He explained that the fader was lowered to manage audio levels and prevent cross-talk during the live debate. Sardesai criticized Ilmi’s behaviour, including her alleged mistreatment of a video journalist at her home following the incident. He described her actions as unacceptable and emphasized that the video journalist was merely performing his duties.
Rajdeep wrote on X, ‘Ma’am, Shazia Ilmi, I respect all my guests always. If anything, I am too indulgent: the fader is lowered only to avoid crosstalk and noise on the show. If you have a grouse with me or with an army general on the show, of course, that’s your prerogative. And I respect that too. But for you to chuck the mic, abuse our video journalist, and throw him out of your house is just NOT done.’
Ma’am, @shaziailmi I respect all my guests always. If anything, I am too indulgent: the fader is lowered only to avoid cross talk and noise on the show. If you have a grouse with me or with an army general on the show, of course that’s your prerogative. And I respect that too.… https://t.co/43atjurw75 pic.twitter.com/VjfmrrGWsz
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) July 27, 2024
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and media professionals, reflecting broader issues of media conduct and political discourse in India.
