Rubika Liyaquat, the popular News18 anchor, recently went viral along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her question about the PM’s energy and his response of him not being born biologically during the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Reacting to the PM’s comments, Rahul Gandhi gave a speech where he not only attacked PM Modi, but also journalists who asked him that question including Rubika Liyaquat. While Rahul Gandhi did not name anyone, he called the journalists ‘Chamcha-chamchi’ and his comments went viral. On May 26, Rubika Liyaquat took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) calling out the opposition leader for his comments.
She said(translated from Hindi), “Rahul Gandhi ji… get out of the ‘chamcha-chamchi environment’… it has been years since that era… what happened to your shop of love? No restraint in language, no decorum… why so much frustration? It is unfortunate that your advisors made you a troller instead of a politician. PM has given 71 interviews so far…every question has been asked to him…from inflation to the statement on infiltrators. From China to Pakistan.. from the country to abroad. It is the duty of a journalist to ask questions.. We will ask all kinds of questions. Who has stopped you? You just give 1. You should focus on your politics, you don’t have to fight elections with journalism… you have to fight elections with Modi. And yes.. my name is Rubika Liaqat.. next time please write my name on a slip of paper and take it with you.”
Her response has gone viral with many saying that even though Rahul Gandhi did not name anyone, she is still taking it on herself.
There are also allegations on Rubika Liyaquat of not calling out the PM for his alleged hate speeches and incitement of violence against Muslims but is calling out Rahul Gandhi when he says the journalists aren’t doing their jobs.
This speech of Rahul Gandhi is just another example of a number of personal attacks made by both the sides during this Lok Sabha election.
The 2024 Lok Sabha Elections are ongoing with the final phase of voting to be held on June 1st 2024. The results for the biggest Lok Sabha election in the world’s largest democracy will be announced on June 4th 2024.
-Namit Pandey