Pradeep Bhandari resigns from Zee News

Renowned psephologist Pradeep Bhandari has tendered his resignation from Zee News, marking yet another departure of a prominent figure from the network. Bhandari conveyed his decision via a heartfelt post on social media, bidding adieu to his cherished roles as the host of popular shows such as “Taal Thok Ke,” “Aapka Sawal,” and “24 Ki Sarkar,” along with the responsibility of presenting exit polls during this election season.

In his post, Bhandari expressed gratitude to his audience for their unwavering support over the years, punctuating his message with a pair of folded hands emojis. The news of his departure adds to a growing list of notable journalists who have bid farewell to the Zee Network in recent times.

However, Bhandari’s resignation comes amidst a backdrop of controversy surrounding the network’s political coverage. Sources reveal that tensions arose between the network and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after Zee Group Chairman’s failed bid for a Rajya Sabha seat last year. Following this setback, the chairman purportedly imposed a ban on the coverage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah’s political campaigns.

The fallout from this ban has seemingly played a role in the departure of Bhandari, who is renowned for his in-depth analysis of political dynamics. His absence from Zee News leaves a noticeable void, particularly during a crucial election season where his insights would have been highly sought after.

While the circumstances surrounding Bhandari’s resignation remain speculative, it underscores the delicate interplay between media organizations and political entities in India’s vibrant democracy. As the nation braces for significant electoral outcomes, the absence of key figures like Bhandari from the media landscape could have far-reaching implications on the coverage and discourse surrounding the upcoming elections.