Headline: Doordarshan Anchor Under Fire for Calling Delhi Student ‘Pakistani’ Over CBSE Marks Complaint
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In a shocking display of bias that has ignited a firestorm on social media, a Doordarshan news anchor has been accused of xenophobic behavior after labeling a Delhi student a “Pakistani” for daring to question the CBSE marking scheme.
The incident, which unfolded live on the state-run broadcaster, has sparked widespread outrage, with netizens, activists, and politicians demanding an immediate investigation. The controversy highlights the growing tension around nationalistic rhetoric in India’s public discourse.
What Happened on Live Television?
The altercation occurred during a discussion on the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) evaluation process. A student, identified as a Delhi-based Class 12 examinee, called in to express frustration over what he described as “unfair” and “arbitrary” marks in the board exams.
According to video footage shared by Alt News, the anchor became visibly agitated. After the student pressed his point about discrepancies in marking, the anchor allegedly retorted, “Aap Pakistani hain? Kya aapko CBSE ke khilaf bolne ka kaam diya gaya hai?” (“Are you a Pakistani? Have you been tasked with speaking against CBSE?”).
The student, who provided his full identity and location, repeatedly denied the accusation. However, the anchor continued to insinuate that the caller’s critique had a “foreign agenda,” effectively questioning his patriotism.
Social Media Erupts
Within hours of the clip going viral, hashtags like #DoordarshanAnchor, #StopXenophobia, and #CBSEStudent trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. Users were quick to point out the absurdity of the situation.
“He’s not a Pakistani. He’s a teenager from Delhi who probably just wants a fair result. This is disgraceful journalism from a public broadcaster,” tweeted one user.
Another wrote: “If asking for transparency in exams makes you a Pakistani, then half the country is guilty. Shame on Doordarshan.”
Political leaders have also weighed in. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate called the incident “a perfect example of how hate has become institutionalized.” Meanwhile, the BJP has remained largely silent, though some party members criticized the anchor’s “overreaction.”
Doordarshan’s Response (or Lack Thereof)
As of press time, Doordarshan has not issued an official statement. However, sources within the broadcaster suggest that a review committee has been formed to examine the anchor’s conduct.
This is not the first time a Doordarshan anchor has faced backlash for biased commentary. In 2021, another host was accused of mocking opposition supporters as “anti-national.” Critics argue that the state-run network, which is meant to be impartial, has increasingly become a platform for inflammatory rhetoric.
The Bigger Picture: Free Speech vs. Nationalism
At its core, this incident is about more than one heated exchange. It reflects a disturbing trend where legitimate criticism is branded as treason.
The CBSE marking system has long been flawed. Every year, thousands of students file RTIs and petitions over score mismatches. To suggest that asking for a re-evaluation is an “unpatriotic” act is not only false but dangerous.
“We are creating a culture where any dissent, no matter how valid, is met with distrust,” said Dr. Anika Sharma, a media ethics professor at JNU. “Calling a student a Pakistani for complaining about marks is a cheap tactic to deflect from the real issue.”
Conclusion
The Doordarshan anchor’s remark has done more than just embarrass a public broadcaster—it has exposed a festering wound in India’s public sphere. A student did not lose his marks because of this interaction, but the very idea of fair debate suffered a blow.
As the CBSE continues to face high allegations of mismanagement, this story serves as a stark reminder: national identity should never be weaponized to silence a child’s question.
Will Doordarshan issue a formal apology? The nation—and that student—are waiting.