Hi Newslaundry Team,

I am a ardent listener and viewer of all the interviews and NL Hafta’s. I started following it in 2013-14 when i just started working and it was a sign of relief to get a different opinion on news.

Currently I am studying abroad and NL hafta is the best way to catch up on all news events of the week, which I really love to follow. Also i really enjoy Abhinandan’s interviews (at times he speaks more than needed in an interview though) and also Manisha always has a very good article or reading material to suggest.

Now about the last Hafta, I beg to differ from your viewpoint on Smriti Irani’s interview with Barkha or her general demeanour (and I am in no sense any Bhakt or have any political affiliations), I really enjoyed her interview and feel that politicians should be on their toes when asked questions like the ones Bharkha asked .How many questions did she ask on the ministry? and how much time did she spend on Rahul Gandhi “Gandhi Bastion” (said it a lot of times) ? This to me shows that she herself was not interested in the ministry and was their only to create a media hype. If a politician is not politically correct, what is wrong in that. Why should we be comparing her to Shushma Swaraj or anyone else. She has a mind of her own, has been in Amethi more than Rahul Gandhi, is outspoken and passionate.

I feel she deserves more credit that she gets. Also no one pointed out that Bharkha Dutt as she herself proclaims to be in the interview a “Political Journo” and said that she is aware of many state BJP workers was not able to name one from Mizoram or Orissa.. Now i don’t mean that she should know all this, but if news media can ask combative questions and bring in personal equations of Gandhi vs Modi etc etc, why shouldn’t they be ready to face questions like that to.  Just my two cents.

All in all, I really enjoy your work and wish you all the best in your future en-devours. Also i would love to see more video interviews on Newslaundry.

PS – Abhinandan, I am from the Lawrence School Sanawar (Sworn enemies of Doon School), but I really enjoy the Doon references you bring out at times.. 🙂

Regards,

Saahil

Newslaundry Subscriber