Rajdeep Sardesai was seen in an interview with author-journalist Manu Joseph on 15th April. Sardesai is known to have saved his career by projecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in bad light. He is known to have portrayed PM Modi as the reason of the 2002 riots in Gujarat on most of his political debates and shows. It is good to see that he has finally shown some remorse for his regular efforts of crusading against Narendra Modi.
Manu Joseph very subtly convinced Rajdeep Sardesai to accept the fact that PM Modi should not be accused in the riots of 2002. In most of his career as a journalist Rajdeep Sardesai has blamed PM Modi of being responsible for the 2002 riots. He said that the PM was inefficient in controlling the mob. In the interview as well he still says that though he doesn’t accuse Modi for the riots, but he also did not take firm steps to stop the riot. 2002 riots were unfortunate incidents that followed after the train carrying Hindu karsevaks was burned down leaving many dead.
Furthermore, he said that he personally believes that Modi was not responsible. Sardesai said “It is unfair of us to say that Mr Modi or anyone was responsible for the riots. He did not ask or incite violence,” Sardesai also mentioned that Narendra Modi couldn’t be blamed as his control was far less, as he had just come to power. The incident took place only 6 months after, Narendra Modi was sworn in as Gujarat’s Chief Minister.
According to Rajdeep the power that PM Modi holds today as a national leader was not the same back then in 2002. Modi was not as powerful back then as the people thought him to be. It was rather Praveen Thogadia who had strong hold over the political power play in Gujarat in 2002. In his subtle mention Rajdeep hinted on the fact that PM Modi did capitalize the violence. He meant that some political benefits were indeed gained by former Gujarat Chief Minister from the 2002 riots.
A big name in his industry, Sardesai accepted the vulnerability of media in capturing the riot unlike the terror attacks. He also said that the media sensationalised Gujarat riots. The implementation of self-censorship is what would help solve such problems according to Rajdeep. He accepted that media was indeed “mea culpa” for exaggerating the intensity of the riots.
The long due revelation comes after Rajdeep Sardesai had mentioned in one of his tweet that both party (The Congress and BJP) have “blood in their hands”. He referred to the 1984 Sikh riots where the Congress was directly involved and 2002 riots to which he clearly mentioned that Modi cannot be accused for.
dont feel like debating 84 or 2002. the cong will rake up gujarat, the bjp delhi. the fact is both parties have blood on their hands.
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 1, 2009
It is difficult to understand, that Rajdeep personally never felt that PM Modi should be blamed for 2002 attacks because since 2002 until now, he sensationalised the issue. He always kept the Prime Minister in bad light and attacked the BJP government with 2002 riot references. It is important to ask if liberal journalists like Sardesai play these stunts to boost their career.