This week, Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri, Manisha Pande and Raman Kirpal were joined by former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan Lokur and political journalist Neerja Choudhury.

Neerja describes Dr Manmohan Singh, who died this week, as a “gentleman politician and a unifying figure” who will be remembered for his “decency in politics” and landmark contributions such as the RTI Act, MGNREGA, and the Indo-US nuclear deal. Justice Lokur says, “He was a great man and a great loss for the country.” 

Manisha reflects on the media’s role during Singh’s tenure, saying, “Back then, leaders were judged critically but fairly, without fear of retribution.”

Abhinandan adds, “Manmohan Singh’s leadership taught us that decency is not a weakness but a strength in politics.”

On the media and judicial accountability, Justice Lokur acknowledges the increased public scrutiny on courts. “There must be ways to check judges without undermining the institution,” he says, referencing the need for mechanisms beyond impeachment. Neerja criticises the sensationalism that’s come to define election coverage, saying the media’s role “is to hold power accountable, not amplify divisive rhetoric”.

The panel also reflects on key events of 2024. Neerja cautions that the “challenge to Modi’s leadership might come from the extreme right within the BJP itself”. Manisha points out the troubling rhetoric in election speeches, adding, “The prime minister’s speeches targeting minorities were demoralising and crossed a line.”

Raman highlights the year’s highs and lows, saying, “The coalition government formation was a relief for democracy, but the political language this year hit new lows.”

This and a lot more. Tune in!

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Audio timecodes

00:00:00 - Introductions

00:02:49 - Headlines

00:09:53 - NL Sena announcements

00:11:18- Manmohan Singh’s legacy

00:34:52 - Media, judiciary, and key events of 2024

01:03:06 - Announcements

01:11:46 - Subscriber letters

01:19:14 - Recommendations

Check out previous Hafta recommendations, references, songs and letters 

Produced & recorded by Prashant & Priyali. 

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