This week on NL Hafta, Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri and Manisha Pande are joined by professor Jabin Jacob and public policy expert Meghnad S.

The conversation begins with focus on Home Minister Amit Shah’s statements in the Parliament on Indian media’s alleged China connection, or simply put, Newsclick. Abhinandan delves into whether the media house is part of China’s ploy. This brings Jabin to the Chinese Communist Party’s primacy of power. Abhinandan asks: “Why is there a bias towards the Chinese, wherein we do see international investments in media now?”

Meghnad says it’s futile to invest in media when policy can be influenced better by electoral bonds. Jabin talks about the lack of reciprocity with China, and that the Indian Ambassador could never write an op-ed in the country.

The discussion then moves on to the theatrics of the ruling dispensation, and PM Modi dodging grave questions raised by the opposition during the no-confidence debate in the Parliament. The panel highlights how the most noise was created by a ‘flying kiss’ rather than the Manipur conflict.

Meghnad then talks about the lack of discussion in the Parliament before passing crucial Bills, except in the case of the Delhi Services Bill — that even brought former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to Rajya Sabha. “What is the point of Kejriwal being in Delhi anymore?” asks Meghnad, pointing to the Bill restraining the chief minister’s powers.

Manisha talks about the sheer ignorance observed by the Sansad TV when it comes to opposition leaders, and the “viral potential” of the Parliament as the government’s toolkit to power. 

This and a lot more, tune in!

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