Muslims have been systematically invisibilized in India: Rajdeep Sardesai’s speech goes viral
Asks, how much media has done to spread these kinds of stereotypes, prejudice and hate politics
New Delhi: Renowned journalist Rajdeep Sardesai delivered a thought-provoking speech at the 21st edition of the India Today Conclave 2024 in New Delhi, addressing critical issues surrounding representation and inclusivity in Indian politics. Sardesai's remarks centered on the concerning lack of Muslim representation in the country's parliament and the implications of this trend for India's diverse population.
During his address, Sardesai highlighted the slogan "Ab ki baar 400 paar, 350 paar," which has become synonymous with the aspirations of BJP to secure a significant majority in parliament. However, he pointed out that despite these ambitions, the current government lacks a single Muslim Member of Parliament (MP). Moreover, Sardesai expressed concern that the projected outcome of 350 or 400 MPs from the ruling party might also exclude representation from the Muslim community, which constitutes approximately 13% of India's population.
Drawing attention to the marginalization of Muslims in various spheres of society, Sardesai spoke candidly about the systematic invisibilization of the Muslim community. He cited examples from his own affluent neighborhood, where he observed a decline in the number of Muslim residents. Sardesai attributed this phenomenon to deep-rooted prejudices and stereotypes that have permeated Indian society, perpetuating a culture of exclusion and marginalization.
He said, “Just think about it. We are talking about ‘Ab ki baar 400 paar, 350 paar.’ This government at the moment in parliament doesn’t have a single Muslim MP. This 350 or 400 paar is also probably not going to have a single Muslim MP. 13% of your population in a way is being invisibilized. I don’t want to say it in this room also but I know in my own colony, which is an affluent and upmarket colony, how many Muslims live there today? There is a systematic invisibilizing of the Muslims.”
While acknowledging that he was not singling out any individual for blame, Sardesai emphasized the urgent need for introspection within the media fraternity. He challenged media professionals to reflect on their role in perpetuating stereotypes and contributing to the proliferation of hate politics targeting marginalized communities.
“I am not blaming an individual for it but this is the nature of it. An indoctrination has set in and I think since we are in a media conclave, we in the media should also look inside. How much have we done to spread these kinds of stereotypes, prejudice and the worst kind of hate politics that targets people because of the community they belong to? Nothing can be more dangerous for India in the future, the country with the third-largest Muslim population if the party in power with 400 MPs can not throw up a single Muslim MP or cannot actually actively promote a sense of genuine cooperation between communities. Don’t blame anyone and we in the media need to look inward.” He added.
The video clip of Sardesai's speech quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with many users applauding his courage in addressing sensitive issues and advocating for greater inclusivity and representation in Indian politics. Several users also pointed out how the cameraman had done a commendable job by bringing Sudhir Chaudhary on screen while Sardesai was questioning the role media has played in spreading these kinds of stereotypes, prejudice and the worst kind of hate politics that targets people because of the community they belong to.
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BharatPe fraud case: Delhi HC quashes lookout circular against Ashneer Grover, wife
New Delhi, Nov 12: The Delhi High Court has ordered cancellation of a lookout circular (LOC) issued against Ashneer Grover, the former MD of payment app BharatPe, and his wife Madhuri Jain Grover, noting that the FIR lodged against them over allegations of cheating and forgery has already been quashed.
Justice Sanjeev Narula passed the order on Monday after the court was informed that another bench of the high court quashed the FIR on the same day.
The FIR was quashed by Justice Chandra Dhari Singh after considering a plea moved by the Grovers stating that they have arrived at a settlement with the fintech company.
In his order, Justice Narula said, "Although the copy of the order (quashing the FIR) is not available as of now, the aforenoted fact is not disputed by the counsel for the parties.
"In light of the fact that the underlying FIR has been quashed, the LOC issued by respondent No. 3 (Bureau of Immigration), in the opinion of the court, will not survive."
The LOC was issued by the Bureau of Immigration at the instance of Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in view of the investigation against the Grovers in the cheating and forgery FIR.
The court was hearing a plea moved by Grover and his wife Madhuri Jain Grover seeking quashing of the LOC issued against them in connection with the investigation into the cheating and forgery case.
"Accordingly, the present petitions are disposed of with a direction to the respondents to cancel the LOC against the petitioners in their records," the court noted.
Earlier, the Grovers claimed that they were informed about the LOC for the first time when they were detained at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on November 16, 2023, while they were scheduled to travel to the US.
After being detained, they were informed that the LOC was operational from November 6, 2023.
In May last year, the EOW filed an FIR against Grover, his wife Madhuri, and others under eight sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating and dishonesty), 467 and 468 (forgery), and 471 (using forged documents as genuine) for an alleged Rs 81 crore fraud after a complaint was lodged by BhartPe, the fintech unicorn.
In its complaint, BharatPe alleged that Grover and his family caused damages to the tune of Rs 81.3 crore through illegitimate payments to bogus human resource consultants, inflated and undue payments through pass-through vendors connected to the accused, sham transactions in input tax credit and payment of penalty to GST authorities, illegal payment to travel agencies, forged invoices by Madhuri, and destruction of evidence.
Madhuri was the head of controls at BharatPe before she was fired in 2022 after a forensic audit revealed several irregularities.
Subsequently, Grover resigned as the chief executive officer of the fintech firm in March 2022.
