India Today Anchor Rahul Kanwal lectures on US media bias, gets trolled by Indian viewers
New Delhi: India Today’s anchor and News Director Rahul Kanwal found himself at the center of a social media storm following his remarks on perceived bias in the US media’s coverage of the ongoing presidential election.
In his post, Kanwal highlighted what he saw as clear polarization within the American media, using CNN and Fox News as examples. He claimed that CNN made it appear as though Kamala Harris was receiving widespread support from independents and even some Republicans, while Fox News portrayed Donald Trump as holding a winning edge. Kanwal added that “neutral viewers” might be left confused over which channel represented the real scenario, emphasizing that journalists should leave personal biases aside and aim to present a balanced view.
However, Kanwal’s criticism of US media immediately sparked backlash from Indian social media users, who pointed to the irony in his remarks given India Today’s own reputation. The channel, along with others, is often accused of pro-government bias, and users wasted no time in calling out what they saw as Kanwal’s double standards.
One user sarcastically remarked that, by watching India Today’s coverage, “one would think Modi is winning not only in India but in US and Canada as well,” mocking the channel’s alleged inclination to support the ruling BJP. The comment clearly highlighted what many viewers see as an overt bias in Indian media coverage that often portrays Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP in a favorable light, regardless of the topic.
Another comment urged Kanwal to “start with himself” if he truly believed that journalists should leave personal biases outside the newsroom. The commenter implied that Kanwal’s own reporting was far from neutral and questioned the integrity of his critique of American journalists. This response echoed the sentiment of many others, who felt that Kanwal’s post ignored the role he himself plays within the alleged “Godi Media,” a term used to describe Indian news channels perceived to be compliant with government narratives.
Further, one viewer took issue with Kanwal’s focus on US media, questioning why he seemed more concerned with perceived biases abroad than addressing the issues in his own country. “Godi media talking about media bias in the US?” the comment read. “Why don’t you guys do your own job honestly first rather than working against your own country and fooling your audience, then worry about other countries?” This comment struck a chord with other users, who agreed that Kanwal’s focus seemed misplaced, especially given the state of Indian media.
In a similar vein, another comment read, “Thankfully in India, all channels sing only one song, leaving no scope for any confusion. And dude, you talking about personal biases is a little too much.” The remark appeared to address the lack of diversity in perspectives among Indian news outlets, suggesting that most channels convey a single narrative favoring the government, leaving no room for viewers to experience confusion over where each network stands.
Several commenters went further in their criticisms, openly questioning Kanwal’s credibility as a journalist. One user bluntly stated, “What a joke, when you guys do the same during our elections. Take ownership of what you say because soon media will be considered a platform for only comedy.” This comment highlighted the growing skepticism viewers feel toward the news media, warning that unless journalists start to practice what they preach, the media’s credibility may be beyond repair.
Another comment directed at Kanwal was especially sharp, calling him “spineless” and accusing him of operating on instructions from his employers rather than covering real issues independently. “Firstly, Mr. Rahul Kanwal, think about your honesty in your profession. You’re acting as per your employer's instruction, not on real issues. Spineless man, don’t give lectures to others,” the user wrote, suggesting that Kanwal’s journalistic independence was compromised.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Gujarat man held for impersonating govt official, duping people with forged letters
Ahmedabad (PTI): The Ahmedabad police have arrested a 29-year-old man who allegedly posed as a senior revenue official and used fake letters claiming to be from various government departments to cheat people, an official said on Sunday.
Mehul Shah, an engineer who manages two schools at Vankaner in Gujarat’s Morbi district, is accused of making lakhs of rupees with bogus documents and false claims, said inspector (crime branch) JK Makwana.
Shah had forged an appointment letter from the Ahmedabad district education officer (DEO) to offer a computer operator’s job in a government office to a complainant’s son. He also introduced himself as a trustee of a school and did not pay a man Rs 7 lakh due to him over the painting of a school building, the official said.
“Despite holding no official position in the state or central government, he used fake work permits and NOCs to cheat people of lakhs of rupees,” the police official said.
One complainant alleged that Shah identified himself as a top revenue department official and produced a fake letter from the chairman of the “department of science and research development” to make him install a siren and curtain in a hired vehicle but did not pay for the job, he said.
Bogus letters claiming to be from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ahmedabad DEO were used by the accused to cheat the complainants, the police official said.
Police have recovered from his possession fake identity cards and letters with headings like “bharat gaurav ratna shri samman council”, “chairman of department of science and research development”, “health and family welfare department”, and “road and building department”.
“The FIR is based on complaints by three victims. We appeal to the people to come forward and submit their complaints if they have been cheated by Shah in any way,” Makwana said.
