News18 Editor Dayashankar Mishra Alleges Job Loss Over Writing Book on Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi-Journalist Dayashankar Mishra, the editor of the News18 Network Hindi website, has stepped down from his position, leveling serious accusations against the News18 management. Notably, Mishra recently authored a book titled 'Rahul Gandhi,' delving into propaganda against the Congress leader and various topics related to him. Mishra claims that he faced pressure from News18 to retract the book, leading to his resignation.

Journalist Mishra, after resigning from News18, wrote from his X handle, " I had no idea how challenging it would be to construct a narrative on Rahul Gandhi's truth. In an era where there's a race to compose epics and mythologies on truth bearers, I initially believed that compiling the thoughts, vision, and determination of a public figure into a piece of public policy literature wouldn't raise any eyebrows. However, I was proven wrong. Our responsibility is to define the objective, identify the individual, and present their essence. Yet, due to unforeseen circumstances and political entanglements, the company's pulse suddenly quickened. The option to retract the book, to continue working silently, was there. However, I chose the book, opting for what is fundamental to our profession – telling the truth. So, it began with the resignation and then the book.

Mishra further wrote, " This book serves as an atonement for all the compromises made within the newsroom – the stories that were suppressed and the narratives that were allowed to thrive. It recounts the factual story and provides a solid rebuttal to the false propaganda against Rahul Gandhi that surfaced in 2011. It delves into how the media, forsaking its traditional role as a democratic opposition, not only aligned with the government but also attempted to silence the representative voice of the opposition – the public – tarnishing its image. This betrayal compromised the very essence of the journalism profession, blurring the line between the newsroom and the malevolent propaganda machinery of IT cells. The book offers an analysis of Rahul Gandhi's resistance against censorship, misinformation, and authoritarianism."

He added, " Readers can easily grasp the subversion of constitutional institutions by the Centre, the intricacies of Kejriwal's political propaganda in collaboration with Anna Hazare, and the attacks on democracy and the Constitution over the recent years. In a series of 11 chapters, this book attempts to provide a straightforward account of these events.

Upon reading, you will discern how Hinduism and its politics have been marred by issues such as the establishment of mob lynching, the prevalence of lies and malicious propaganda, and the rise of Hindu communalism. These are blemishes on India that may heal over time or may signify a decade of political 'darkness.' The guiding principles of 'development,' which steer India today and are anticipated to continue for decades, are explored".

After serious allegations against News18 Network by Dayashankar Mishra, News18 has deemed his accusations baseless and untrue. News18 released a statement on their official handle clarifying their stance.

The statement read, " The rule for all employees of News18 is that they should seek and obtain permission from the company before writing a book, or contributing in any way outside the organisation. This is standard practice in all reputable media firms. News18, from time to time, grants such requests from employees. Mr Dayashankar Mishra, the editor of our Hindi website, did not seek or obtain permission for his book, or disclose beforehand that he was writing a book.

When he mentioned on November 9, 2023, that he was writing a book, to be published in December, he was told very clearly about the Company's insistence that he adhere to policy. The fact that he wrote his book surreptitiously and in violation of Company policy proves that he had a hidden agenda all along, which was to stage a dramatic exit in the hope of getting maximum publicity for himself and his book.

From images of the book on social media, it is clear that the book was a long time in the making. Mr Mishra resigned on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at around 2.30 PM, and that very same evening-while still being employed by the Network18 group-he put out a post on X seeming to suggest that he had been targeted for writing a book. The fact is that he was only misusing his position with the ulterior motive of publicising his book.

Mr Mishra has defamed his employer and is in violation of the terms of his employment. News18 reserves the right to take any action against him and all those who are deliberately spreading his falsehoods."