Arnab Goswami’s Republic Bharat faces criticism for spreading misinformation, hate
New Delhi: Republic Bharat, Arnab Goswami’s news channel, has come under fire for broadcasting alleged misinformation and engaging in communal propaganda. Several recent incidents have raised questions about the channel’s credibility and accountability.
One of the recent controversies involves Republic Bharat airing a fabricated story claiming that former US President Donald Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pleading for help to control wildfires in California. The channel claimed that Modi sent helicopters to assist the US. The story was widely criticised for its lack of evidence, with even the Ministry of External Affairs remaining silent on the matter. Critics questioned the plausibility of helicopters being dispatched from India to the US, labelling the report as absurd.
In another instance, the channel broadcasted visuals using AI-generated images of Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Elon Musk, and Hollywood celebrities like Will Smith and John Cena purportedly taking a dip in the Ganga during the Kumbh Mela. The video also claimed that Muslim countries were alarmed by these developments, further stoking communal tensions. Viewers and media experts have slammed such content as "sensationalist and baseless."
Once a dominant player in the Indian news market, Republic Bharat has witnessed a significant decline in TRP ratings, now ranking fifth behind channels like News18, Aaj Tak, and India TV. To revive its viewership, the channel appears to have resorted to old tactics such as inviting Pakistani panellists on debates to provoke controversies. In one such debate, a Pakistani panellist insulted and mocked the late Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. Arnab Goswami did not intervene during the remarks, which sparked outrage online but failed to elicit a substantial response from authorities or the public.
Republic Bharat has also been accused of perpetuating anti-Muslim propaganda through its coverage. Analysts argue that the channel consistently airs narratives designed to spread hatred against Muslims, often relying on unverified or fabricated claims. Many believe this contributes to a divisive atmosphere in the country.
These controversies have further tarnished the reputation of Republic Bharat. Media observers have criticised the channel for stooping to sensationalism and misinformation, with some calling it a "low point in Indian journalism." Critics argue that such practices undermine the trust and integrity of the press.
Despite the widespread backlash, Republic Bharat continues its operations without any regulatory intervention giving birth to concerns about the lack of accountability for spreading misinformation. Many viewers are now calling for stricter action against channels that prioritise sensationalism over truthful reporting.
For past year there were hardly anyone watching Arnab's News Channel @republic or @Republic_Bharat
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) January 17, 2025
To revive his channel's viewership, he has adopted old tricks.
1. Arnab invites Pakistanis for debates so that they can abuse Indians, In this particular debate, The pakistani… pic.twitter.com/zIl8wq78xW
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Marxism will remain relevant despite Left electoral's losses, says general secretary M A Baby
New Delhi (PTI): CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby on Thursday asserted that the Left movement would remain relevant despite not being in power in any state, saying the ideology would continue to endure as long as social and economic inequalities persist.
Hitting back at BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar over his reported remarks that Marxism had become irrelevant, Baby, in an interview with PTI Videos, said, "So long as there is division in society, so long as there is exploitation of the majority of workers, peasants and ordinary masses by a handful of billionaires, Marxism will remain relevant."
"That perhaps Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar may not be able to understand, but this is the fact of the matter," he said.
Baby acknowledged that the CPI(M)-led Left was currently without an elected government in any state, but maintained that electoral setbacks would not diminish the movement's role.
"We may not have an elected government in any state. There were occasions when we didn't have a government. But the red flag and the commitment to organise and struggle for the rights of the dispossessed, marginalised and exploited will always be upheld by CPI(M) and the Left movement," he said.
He said the Left continued to enjoy support among workers, peasants, agricultural labourers, youth, students and women, and argued that the movement remained necessary because "oppression and assault" continued in society.
"So long as such problems exist in society, the red flag and the working class movement will continue to work among the masses," the Left leader said.
Exuding confidence on the Left's revival, Baby said the party would reflect on the reasons behind its electoral loss.
"We may be rejected in one election, but we will stage our comeback by understanding what went wrong with us," he said, adding, "We will listen to people and we will come back with higher strength."
Baby also criticised the Congress over reported factional tensions in Kerala after the Congress-led United Democratic Front's victory in the state.
"The way they are behaving is being watched by the people of Kerala," he said, referring to infighting within the Congress.
"Those who have given a massive majority to Congress and UDF would be watching all this," he added, while urging party leaders to "settle the problem in an amicable, democratic manner".
Referring to West Bengal, Baby alleged that violence had escalated following the BJP's victory in the state assembly polls.
"It is quite unfortunate that the moment BJP snatched a massive victory in West Bengal, violence has also started on a big scale," he said.
He also accused the Trinamool Congress of being "notorious for violent activities" and alleged that the "RSS-controlled BJP" had "unleashed violence in many places" after the election results.
"This is not good for Bengal, not good for the country. We wish and hope that normalcy would be restored as soon as possible," he said.
Baby said the CPI(M) and the Left in West Bengal would continue efforts to "pacify people" and avoid violence and confrontation.
Asked about former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan not reacting publicly to the election results, Baby said Vijayan would respond "at an appropriate time".
