Network18's editor resigns alleging he was forced to stop his book on Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi: Senior digital journalist Dayashankar Mishra has reportedly submitted his resignation to the Network18 management, where he served as the Executive Editor (Digital). He has alleged that he had to resign because his employers were unhappy with him writing a book on Rahul Gandhi.
Dayashankar Mishra is currently in the spotlight for his upcoming book focused on Rahul Gandhi, scheduled for release in December. Mishra revealed on his 'X' handle that Network18 asked for his resignation if he intended to proceed with the book. He claimed that although he had the option to withdraw the book and save his job, he chose to stand with the truth and continue writing.
Making this revelation in a detailed note, Mishra expressed his surprise at the challenges associated with presenting the truth about Rahul Gandhi. He asked why, in a time when there is a competition to write about those in power, compiling and presenting the thoughts, vision, and determination of a public policy thinker would create such trouble.
“I had no idea how much trouble writing the truth on Rahul Gandhi would create. At a time when there is a competition to write epics on those in power, I thought why would anyone bother to compile and present the thoughts, vision and determination of a public policy thinker?” he added.
पहले इस्तीफ़ा, फिर किताब :
— Dayashankar Mishra (@DayashankarMi) November 22, 2023
राहुल गांधी पर सच लिखना कितनी मुश्किलें खड़ी करेगा, मुझे बिल्कुल अंदाज़ा नहीं था। ऐसे समय जब सत्ताधीशों पर गाथा-पुराण लिखने की होड़ लगी हो, मैंने सोचा था कि एक लोकनीतिक विचारक की सोच, दृष्टि और दृढ़ता को संकलित कर प्रस्तुत करना किसी को क्यों… pic.twitter.com/oEroAWRP1i
Responding to Mishra's claims, Network18 released a statement on Thursday, dismissing them as a publicity stunt. The company stated that Mishra violated company regulations by not seeking permission before writing a book or contributing outside the organization. According to Network18, Mishra was informed that he should adhere to the company's norms when he announced his book, scheduled for release in December.
Having been with Network18 for more than four and a half years, Mishra previously held the position of Editor (Languages) at the digital wing of the Zee Group, contributing to the expansion of the Hindi digital version of Zee News and other Indian languages during his two-year tenure.
Prior to his association with the Zee Group, Mishra served as an editor at the Hindi website of the NDTV Group. In 2016, while at NDTV, he initiated a series against war during the surgical strikes, earning appreciation from academicians, sociologists, and critics.
With nearly two and a half decades of experience in journalism, Dayashankar Mishra has worked in various regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir. His interests encompass study, travel, and communication. Mishra is recognized for his contributions to social and development journalism, having received the United Nations Population Fund award in 2008 for his research and study on manual scavenging societies. Additionally, he was granted a fellowship on the same subject from NFI, Delhi, in 2009.
News18 statement about the false and misleading claims by Mr Dayashankar Mishra: pic.twitter.com/Cuo5Jd5LRb
— News18 India (@News18India) November 23, 2023
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.
Kerala HC declines interim stay on screening of ''L2: Empuraan''
Kochi (PTI): The Kerala High Court on Tuesday declined to issue any interim order putting on hold the screening of Malayalam film 'L2: Empuraan' starring superstar Mohanlal.
Justice C S Dias ordered to issue notice to the Centre and the Censor Board seeking their stand on the plea by Thrissur-native V V Vijeesh who has claimed that continuing to show the movie poses a risk of inciting communal violence and disturbing public order.
It listed the matter for hearing after the vacation.
The court also questioned whether the petition was filed in publicity interest by the petitioner.
During the brief hearing of the matter, the court also asked what was the problem when the Censor Board had certified the film for public viewing.
It also expressed doubts about the petitioner's intention behind filing the plea.
It also pointed out that no case was filed anywhere against the movie.
The state government said that no case has been lodged against the film in Kerala.
Meanwhile, Antony Perumbavoor, one of the producers of the film, earlier in the day announced that the movie has undergone cuts to remove scenes of little over two minutes.
He said the decision to carry out the edit was a joint one of all the producers and actors, including Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, and it was not out of fear of anyone.
The movie has faced intense criticism from the Sangh Parivar with regard to some portions of the film.
'L2: Empuraan', the second part of the 'Lucifer' movie, a trilogy planned by the Prithviraj-Mohanlal team, has become a topic of hot debate over its critique of right-wing politics and the covert mention of the Gujarat riots.
On March 27, the day of the movie's release, the Sangh Parivar vehemently criticised the film on social media, while the Congress and Left platforms celebrated the film for portraying the right-wing politics as "villainous".
