Navika Kumar is having a trying week.
First, she interviewed actor Kangana Ranaut during the Times Now 2021 summit in New Delhi where, alongside a lot of mutual back-patting and praise, she listened quietly as Kangana said India getting freedom in 1947 was a “bheekh” and that "true independence" was gained only in 2014.
Next, people objected to Kangana's comments (see here, here and here). Navika came in for her share of criticism for staying passive instead of, as one would expect from an interviewer, pushing back or asking questions. It wasn't just opposition leaders registering their protest on social media, BJP members criticised Kangana too.
Finally, Times Now piped up today calling Kangana's comments "an insult to millions of freedom fighters". The tweet helpfully included the video clip from the interview.
#KanganaRanaut may think India got Independence in 2014 but this cannot be endorsed by any true Indian. This is an insult to millions of freedom fighters who gave up their lives so that present generations can live a life of self-respect & dignity as free citizens of a democracy. pic.twitter.com/o0EtH0hukU
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) November 12, 2021
Nary a word was said on why Times Now's own anchor merely chose to respond to said comments during the interview with, "This is why everyone calls you bhagwa."
But Navika's trials and tribulations continued as Times Now's attempt to push the Times View did not go down well. (She did RT the tweet though.)
Isn't it a trifle too late in the day?
— Anil Swarup (@swarup58) November 12, 2021
The "erudite" guest went over the top but the host's reaction was deplorable. Would @TimesNow even contemplate action?
What a come down for Times Group! https://t.co/PG5MJNNZvs
So why didn't your anchor seem to mind or even bother to say anything on stage? Also, took two days to condemn this shameful statement on your summit? https://t.co/qB8GjlkYXc
— Anisha Dutta (@A2D2_) November 12, 2021
I’m guessing the mike fell out of the Anchor’s hands (just like that cellphone story in Hyderabad ) so she couldn’t check or correct this. Throughout the show. #kanganaranuat #forshame https://t.co/t0ahGNxDLJ
— Mitali Mukherjee (@MitaliLive) November 12, 2021
You don’t endorse it but put up the video in your tweet. Good for business is it? https://t.co/1geZJ13yvI
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) November 12, 2021
Okay @TimesNow but what are you going to do about @navikakumar? Her broad smile and nod in agreement of her statement? https://t.co/QGgQMEdEVa
— Saurav Das (@OfficialSauravD) November 12, 2021
In the days when television editorial had a conscience, a news anchor would have been derostered for he-he-he-ing along to something like this. https://t.co/pEmK3kY3t3
— smitha nair (@smitharnair) November 12, 2021
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