On Ilmi’s constant heckling and ridiculous allegations, Rifat reminded her about his 23 years of journalism, done without any political association. Unlike her, who had quit her career of so-called journalism to be spokespersons of not one but two political parties, Rifat has never been associated with any political outfits and neither does he intend to do in future.
After the programme, Rifat told Janta Ka Reporter, “Unfortunately for a troll, such as Ilmi, she mistakes every upright journalist as being as opportunistic and disgraceful as she has been. Ilmi ought to have been reminded about her behaviour as a spokesperson of a responsible party. Hope this deters her from indulging in similar disgraceful acts in future, particularly while taking part in TV debates.”
Rifat added, “I’ve taken part in countless debates involving many senior BJP leaders including Nalin Kohli, Sambit Patra, Nupur Sharma and Vijender Gupta in the past, and I must confess that all have been truly graceful and professional.
“I may be critical of the policies of the party in power. That’s what a true journalists do. But casting personal and distasteful remarks akin to illiterate thugs should be avoided. Such antics don’t take you very far in public life.”
Rifat said that Ilmi may be in the habit of dictating editorial agenda of TV channels, but what she forgot that not every journalist has sold their soul to political parties for personal gains, just like she has done.