Ready to debate cash-for-vote sting, says Rajdeep Sardesai

Snubbing allegations levelled by the Bharatiya Janata Party against the channel in 'cash for vote' sting operation, television news channel CNN-IBN's editor-in-chief Rajdeep Sardesai said on Friday he is ready to debate the issue.

"I am ready to debate with the BJP over the matter but you can't force a journalist on the timeline to show the sting. That's my call and not yours (politicians)," Sardesai told media-persons during an interaction organised by the Goa Union of Journalists in Panaji.

"If I need to cross check the story then you cannot determine my time," Sardesai said adding, the operation would have been completed, had not, the BJP members of Parliament shown the cash in the Parliament.

Responding to another question, Sardesai rubbished the allegation that Reliance bosses are behind the channel's reluctance to show the operation.

"I have met Anil Ambani only once in my life. We had even run a series of stories on how Reliance shares are overvalued. No one has noticed that," Sardesai reacted.

The entire issue would be settled once the channel presents itself before the Parliamentary panel, Sardesai said adding, the issue will be settled in next four to five days.