Ramdev’s TV channels found to be without registration
Ramdev has landed in a major controversy after it was found that the 2 TV channels that Patanjali had announced were found to be without any registration.
Gogon Bahadur Hamal, Director General, Department of Information and Broadcasting said, “Foreign investment in the media sector is prohibited as per the Nepali law. We have not received any application to register these two television channels”.
What is funny is the fact that the official inauguration of the channels was done by none other than the sitting prime minister of Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuwa, on Friday. As per the Nepali law, foreign investment is prohibited in the media and film sectors. It is embarrassing Deuwa went as the chief guest for the inauguration function, while the investigative agencies have started carrying out raids. Knowing very well that even if all the legal formalities had been met, Patanjali’s TV venture faced opposition here in Nepal, it is bewildering why our political ‘netas‘ jump at any chance they get to appear before Ramdev. Even ‘secular’ ‘communist’ leaders like Prachanda is famous for his yoga routine with Ramdev.
Patanjali, in its defense, said that the inauguration did not amount to the formal start of the network. Moreover, it insisted that it had not yet started broadcasting any content. In a press release, Patanjali tried to assure that it would comply with all regulations before it starts its broadcast in the Himalayan nation.
Countering the press release, however, Hamal said, “We can’t believe the statement issued by Patanjali Nepal. We have formed an investigation committee to find out the truth.” Meanwhile, Federation of Nepalese Journalists have fiercely opposed Patanjali Nepal’s TV venture arguing that Nepalese law does not permit foreign investment in media.
It is no surprise that with personalities like Ramdev, nothing goes without controversy. Top that with the pre-existing Anti-India sentiment in Nepal, and add the fact that the networks have not yet gotten formal registration from the government bodies. It is bound to stir up drama, something similar to what happens when Pakistan is concerned in anyway in the Indian territory. Keep tuned to this space for any updates on the Ramdev TV saga!
