Mohammed Zubair criticizes ANI, IANS for manufacturing narrative against Mohammed Shami
New Delhi: Alt News co-founder and fact-checker Mohammed Zubair has strongly criticized news agencies ANI and IANS, accusing them of manufacturing a narrative against Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami by soliciting statements from individuals on a so-called ‘fatwa’ issued against him.
Taking to social media, Zubair alleged that ANI deliberately sought a statement from an individual named Shahabuddin, who claimed to be a representative of "All Indian Muslims" and issued a supposed religious decree against Shami. According to Zubair, Shahabuddin is a known supporter of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Zubair further stated that after obtaining the initial statement, ANI reporters then approached ten others to get their reactions based on Shahabuddin’s comments, thereby amplifying the narrative. He accused the agency of engaging in propaganda rather than journalism.
Extending his criticism to IANS, the fact-checker claimed that the Adani-owned news agency had similarly dispatched its reporters to at least 16 individuals to gather video bytes on the so-called ‘fatwa’ against Shami and the remarks made by Shahabuddin.
The controversy stems from allegations that certain sections of the media deliberately sought out individuals to create a controversy around Mohammed Shami, who has been a key player for the Indian cricket team. While the authenticity and influence of Shahabuddin remain questionable, the reports circulated widely, leading to criticism of the role played by mainstream news agencies in pushing a manufactured narrative.
What ANI is doing is not Journalism.
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) March 6, 2025
Goes to BJP stooge and a self proclaimed Maulana (who claims to represent All Indian Muslims) to get a so called 'fatwa' against Mohammed Shami.
Soon after manufacturing a Narrative, They sent their reporters to 10 others to get a video… pic.twitter.com/nJSoY2d4En
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.
Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
