Dear Editor,
I read the article by your columnist Ms Namrata Zakaria titled ‘Dressing down Smriti Irani’ and am frankly shocked at the visceral attack on the Textile Minister and I wonder what is the reason for this unprovoked firing. My concern is that accordingly to the hallowed annals of creditable journalism, every story must have a pro and con, that’s why it results in a fine balance that must never be tipped.
However, here I see only a skewed view of a country lover, who truly wins the title of woman of substance considering her meteoric rise in the power corridors which she achieved by working at the grassrooot level for the BJP.
Rather than celebrating this indomitable spirit, Ms Zakaria has tried to demolish her by poking fun at her being transferred. But what’s most alarming is that her appearance is also under scrutiny including her weight, which in plain terms is fat shaming and attributes to digital bullying, which is now also a global concern. Also the usage of the term ‘she sucks up to her boss’- which frankly is so shameful, that one would have to look for words to denounce the misogyny- not an easy task.
Any journalist should not stoop to this level as criticism in all forms must be constructive and here there are only hints of mafiadom. And what’s most surprising is that it comes from a scribe who is known for her hobnobbing with the designers of the Bachchans, her hectic partying style and taking favours from top style gurus. Not from someone who follows and understands the delicate changes in the political climate. She has made a weak attempt at trying to be a Shobhaa de but her column lacks that spunk and veracity.
Research is a barometer of a good story and in this case, it seems more like a personal vendetta by Ms Irani’s detractors who have used a journalist’s shoulders to fire the fully loaded rifle. Why should we believe what Ms Zakaria wrote? Who are her sources? Why have they not been mentioned?
Or is it just her take on a minister who has finally broken the glass ceiling early on unlike her older colleagues Nirmala Sitharaman and Sushma Swaraj? What has she got to do with wisdom? Ms Zakaria by this column has set an example of what not to do if you aspire to be a serious journalist and this article will serve as a warning for future generations.
Regards