Pradeep Bhandari is not just another news anchor-turned-politician; he is a case study in how India’s right-wing media ecosystem cultivates and amplifies communal narratives. A former journalist and now a National spokesperson for the far-right nationalist party Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Bhandari has built his career on aggressive debates, fiery speeches, and a relentless push for a Hindutva-driven political agenda. With over 383,000 followers on Twitter and 20,000 on Instagram.

Bhandari’s mainstream presence was largely shaped by his tenure at Republic TV, the controversial news channel known for its aggressive right-wing slant and manufactured outrage. He became a household name during the Sushant Singh Rajput case, when he led a media trial against actress Rhea Chakraborty, painting her as a sinister force through unverified claims and sensationalist narratives. His approach reflected Republic TV’s style—spreading conspiracy theories, twisting facts, and stirring public hysteria.

Bhandari quickly found a place in the BJP’s political landscape with his skill for creating hyper-nationalist narratives. From targeting the so-called “Tukde Tukde gang” and “urban Naxals” to amplifying fears about an “anti-India toolkit,” he effortlessly merged his television persona with the BJP’s ideology. His shift from a confrontational news anchor to a full-fledged politician was no surprise, it was merely the official recognition of his role as a propagandist.

Bhandari’s participation in hate-driven discourse was glaringly evident during an event in Bhopal in April 2023, where he echoed the long-standing Hindutva paranoia about demographic shifts. “This country can stay safe only as long as the Hindus here are in a majority,” he declared, reinforcing a communal dog whistle that has been central to the BJP-RSS propaganda machinery. 

The same pattern appeared in his coverage of the Budaun double murder case in March 2024. Instead of treating it as a criminal case, Bhandari gave it a religious angle, calling it a “Talibani-style murder” and questioning whether Muslim leaders were backing the accused. On Zee News, he spent 11 hours fueling communal divisions, using the tragedy as an opportunity to target Muslims.

In response to this blatant communalism, the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) filed a complaint against Zee News, citing Bhandari’s inflammatory coverage as a violation of broadcasting guidelines. The complaint highlighted how his show incited hatred and targeted minorities under the guise of journalism.