Nirmala Sitharaman Counters Rahul Gandhi’s Caste Census Uproar Using Alok Mehta’s 1985 Interview In The Parliament, Who Is Alok Mehta?

On Tuesday, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi renewed his demand for a caste census survey. In response, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, without directly naming Gandhi, targeted him over his demand for a caste-based census, saying, “Jiski jaat ka pata nahin, woh ganana ki baat karta hai” (The person whose caste is not known talks about a census). This remark led to an uproar by the opposition, questioning how anyone could ask about a person’s caste in the House.

On Wednesday, Nirmala Sitharaman defended her colleague Anurag Thakur by citing an interview Rajiv Gandhi gave to journalist Alok Mehta. She stated that Rajiv Gandhi himself was against reservations.

The interview, published on March 2, features journalist Alok Mehta speaking exclusively with then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Gandhi iterated that the provisions and laws made for the backward classes during the time of the Indian Constitution should be revised, as they had become overly politicized for electoral advantage. He emphasized the necessity of providing the benefits of reservations and other laws only to those who truly needed them, warning against extending these benefits to the undeserving.

Who is Alok Mehta?

Alok Mehta, born on September 7, 1952, is a prominent Indian journalist, TV broadcaster, and writer known for his significant contributions to media and social welfare. In recognition of his work, Mehta was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2009.

Early Career and Contributions

Mehta’s journalistic career began with his role as the Hindi editor at the Voice of Germany in Cologne from 1979 to 1982. He then served as a coordinating editor and correspondent for Voice of America in Delhi for a decade. His tenure in these roles laid the foundation for his future achievements in journalism.

Editorial Work and Investigative Reporting

Throughout his career, Mehta has been associated with several notable publications, including Hindi Outlook, Nav Bharat Times, Nai Dunia, Dainik Bhaskar, National Duniya, and Governance Now Hindi. He played a pivotal role in launching Hindi Outlook Saptahik in 2002.

Mehta is particularly renowned for his investigative journalism. At Nav Bharat Times, he covered high-profile stories involving con man Chandra Swami, President Gyani Jail Singh, and V.P. Singh. His front-page article on the President’s house turning into a terrorist haven during Jail Singh’s tenure remains a remarkable piece of journalism. Despite facing legal threats and personal danger, including threats to his life, Mehta remained steadfast in his reporting.

As Executive Editor of Hindustan, he made headlines with the publication of the controversial Diary of Govindacharya, which labeled Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a “mukhota” (mask). His work with Hindi Outlook also included investigative reports on Baba Ramdev’s business practices, the Taj Expressway scandal, and other significant issues. In Nai Dunia’s Delhi Edition, Mehta exposed the Shanti Bhushan property controversy and offered critical insights into the Arvind Kejriwal movement.

Leadership and Awards

Mehta’s leadership extended beyond journalism as he served as President of the Editors Guild of India for two years and Secretary General for four years. He has also been involved with several prestigious bodies, including the National Integration Council, Press Council of India, Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation, National Library Advisory Board, and Prem Bhatia Memorial Trust.

His awards and recognitions reflect his impact on journalism. They include the Padma Shri, D.Lit. from Vikram University – Ujjain, Bharatendu Harishchandra Award, Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award, Patrakarita Bhushan Award, Patrakar Sahityakar Samman, Haldighati Samman, Sharad Joshi Samman, Delhi National Harmony Awards for Journalism, and the National Tulsi Award.

Training and Current Role

In February 2000, Mehta received training in video journalism from Voice of America in Chiang Mai. Currently, he serves as the Editorial Director at Talent Media Network, continuing his influential role in the media landscape.

Alok Mehta’s career is a testament to his dedication to journalism and his commitment to addressing social issues through his work. His legacy continues to inspire and impact the field of media and journalism in India.