‘No plans to contest election whatsoever.’ Rajdeep clears the air

India Today Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai was conferred with the Goan of the Year award by Lokmat – a Marathi daily – on May 21. Sardesai, who will turn 51 tomorrow, tweeted saying so on the same day.

But that’s not really what Sardesai is making news for. He was in Goa with wife and journalist Sagarika Ghose at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal’s rally on May 22. Since then rumours are rife that Sardesai may become the face of AAP or the party’s chief ministerial candidate in Goa.

However, in a quick telephone conversation with Newslaundry, Sardesai said, “Don’t go by social media rumours. I am in Goa to collect the Goan of the Year award.” Asked if he intends to contest the Assembly election in Goa, he said, “I have no plans to contest the election whatsoever.”

A report in  Navhind Times, a local English daily, seems to be the source of speculations around Sardesai entering politics. Responding to a question in the felicitation ceremony, he is quoted as saying, “Unlike other occupations which can be continued even after being a politician, like that of a lawyer who can practise even after becoming a politician, journalism is not so. However, if the people of Goa tell me to be chief minister then I am ready. At the same time I can assure you that no one will do that.”