If you even remotely follow Indian politics, you must have come across this “rumour” on social media: That India Today‘s consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai is joining Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party and will be contesting as its candidate for Goa’s chief minister.
It kinda started when journalist and Modi supporter Madhu Kishwar tweeted this a month back
The buzz in Congress circles-Rajdeep Sardesai might be fielded as CM candidate in the Goa elections! I can’t certify it’s veracity as yet.
— Madhu Kishwar (@madhukishwar) April 23, 2016
Rajdeep rubbished it promptly, calling Kishwar a gossip columnist
@madhukishwar kya ma’am. You were once a genuine activist journalist, then cheerleader, now a gossip columnist?
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) April 23, 2016
Kishwar followed up on her “scoop”
Update on @sardesairajdeep–Its AAP that has offered to field him as CM candidate in Goa.Not clear whether Rajdeep ready to take plunge
— Madhu Kishwar (@madhukishwar) April 24, 2016
A month later, Goan newspaper The Navhind Times ‘authenticated‘ the rumour
90 % confirmed 10% ground intelligence report awaited that Rajdeep is the CMcandidate in Goa #TweetLikeDataScientist pic.twitter.com/ADqJ33VYrn
— office of Bhaqt (@ExSecular) May 22, 2016
It was after Rajdeep and his journalist wife Sagarika Ghosh were seen in the AAP Rally in Goa on May 22

When the newspaper confronted Rajdeep, he chose to be vague
“Unlike other occupations which can be continued even after being a politician, like that of a lawyer who can practise even after becoming a politician, journalism is not so. However, if the people of Goa tell me to be chief minister then I am ready. At the same time I can assure you that no one will do that”
And added more fuel to the “speculations”
“At the moment I’m not with AAP and what the future holds… let’s leave it to the future”
Rajdeep has returned to Delhi, and has since been answering A LOT OF PEOPLE
For those asking why I am in Goa!😄 https://t.co/3t94cUZ8vo
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) May 21, 2016
A spat happened with Anupam Kher again…
Why do i feel that @sardesairajdeep will soon be wearing a cap!!!! pic.twitter.com/vJhdKYb1gV
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) May 22, 2016
@AnupamPkher sorry sir! No such luck! I was in the press contingent at the rally being held opp my home!
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) May 22, 2016
When someone apparently got fed up and asked him to come out on clean with his association with the party, Rajdeep cracked a joke…
My friend, The only party I am part of is my kids birthday party!😄 https://t.co/ueuAbAANjO
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) May 23, 2016
If you notice, Rajdeep is neither saying no nor yes. The much-trolled journalist who recently quit Twitter – if only temporarily – over “hacking”, is not putting an end to the speculation for once and for all.
