The media landscape in India today is a catastrophe: Sagarika Ghose

Sagarika Ghose, distinguished Indian journalist, author, and columnist, has recently captured attention by joining the Trinamool Congress (TMC). She received an unexpected nomination for member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from the party and secured victory for the seat. Consequently, she transitioned from being a media figure to representing TMC in Parliament. Ghose is scheduled to take her official oath and start her Rajya Sabha MP this week, just before the general elections kick off.

With a career spanning over three decades in journalism, Ghose is a well-known figure in the media industry. She started her journey with The Times of India before moving to Outlook magazine and The Indian Express. Prior to her Rajya Sabha role, she was a prime-time news anchor at BBC World and CNN-IBN, and worked as a Consulting Editor for The Times of India. She is the author of two bestselling biographies: “Indira: India's Most Powerful Prime Minister” and “Atal Bihari Vajpayee: India’s Most Loved Prime Minister” as well as the critically acclaimed theoretical work, “Why I Am A Liberal: A Manifesto for Indians Who Believe in Individual Freedom.”

India, holding the title of the world's most populated country, is gearing up for general elections. With a population of over 1.4 billion people and nearly 970 million voters, India's general elections are amongst the largest demonstrations of democracy in action worldwide. The six-week general election begins on April 19, with results being announced on June 4. Voters, comprising over 10% of the world's population, will elect 543 members to the lower house of Parliament for a five-year term.

In an exclusive conversation with Campaign India, Ghose reflects on her initial feelings about becoming a Rajya Sabha MP (elect), her preparations for this new chapter, her mission, her analysis of the Indian media scene, and if she'll miss her primary passion: Media.