Ajit Hanamakkanavar is a prominent Indian journalist and news anchor, known for his outspoken style in the Kannada-language media. He currently holds a leadership position as Head of News and Programmes at Asianet Suvarna News, a popular regional news channel in Karnataka (casemine.com).
Ajit initially gained attention through debate shows such as Left, Right & Centre, where his provocative questions and sharp commentary helped build his reputation as a bold and controversial figure (casemine.com).
📚 Early Life & Education
Public records on Ajit's personal background, including birth year, hometown, and educational credentials, are limited. His rise in journalism appears rooted in local Kannada media, where he transitioned from reporting roles to anchoring and editorial responsibilities.
💼 Career Trajectory
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Regional Journalist – He began in Kannada-language television, gaining experience in reporting and anchoring for local audiences.
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Suvarna News Anchor – Moved up to anchor news programs at Suvarna News Channel (later known as Suvarna Vahini under Asianet), covering political, social, and religious issues.
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Head of News & Programmes – As of January 2019, Ajit took on senior leadership overseeing the news division, directly shaping its editorial direction .
🗞️ Anchor Style & Portfolio
Ajit is best known for his hard-hitting, socially and politically charged commentary, often sparking viewer engagement—or outrage. His shows routinely address issues like population trends, religious demographics, and regional politics, with a style that leans toward nationalist narratives.
🔥 Major Controversies
1. FIR for Communal Hatred (May 2024)
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What happened?
During a May 9, 2024 episode titled “Hindu population has decreased, Muslim population has increased enormously,” footage aired showing the Pakistani flag to represent Indian Muslims—though this graphic was later corrected (thenewsminute.com). -
Result:
A complaint was filed, and an FIR registered on May 13, 2024 under IPC Section 505(2) for allegedly promoting communal disharmony (thenewsminute.com). Asianet later said it was an “oversight” (thenewsminute.com).
2. Derogatory Remarks About Prophet Muhammad
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Ajit publicly made critical comments about Prophet Muhammad, for which he later issued an apology—acknowledged by some media outlets (thecognate.com).
3. Earlier FIR Over Debates (2018–2019)
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He faced legal challenges from complaints alleging hate speech against Muslims. Ajit sought and won relief from the Karnataka High Court in January 2019, which quashed FIRs under Sections 153A and 505(2), affirming his right to frame provocative questions (casemine.com).
4. Coverage of Nithyananda Scandal
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In 2012, Ajit led aggressive reporting during coverage involving self-styled godman Nithyananda. The incident escalated, leading to an FIR accusing Suvarna News (including Ajit) of inciting violence at the godman’s ashram (nithyanandatruth.org).
📰 Most Recent Developments
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May 2024 FIR is the latest major controversy. As of mid-2025, there are no public updates on investigations or case disposition.
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Ajit keeps a low digital footprint; notably, his X (formerly Twitter) account is inactive, with no posts since joining in late 2021 (x.com).
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He remains an influential face on Suvarna News, frequently moderating political discussions and delivering monologues on topics like science, religion, and national identity.
✅ Public Image & Support
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Perception:
To supporters, Ajit is a fearless truth-teller who asks uncomfortable yet necessary questions. Critics accuse him of fueling communal tensions for ratings. -
Accolades:
He received the Dubai India Icon Award, a recognition highlighted on his Instagram (instagram.com).
📌 Why He Matters
Ajit embodies the current tensions in Indian regional media: navigating freedom of expression, nationalist ideology, and the legal boundaries of communal discourse. His shows comprise a significant slice of Kannada-language public opinion, especially on sociopolitical issues.
📊 Profile Summary
Attribute | Details |
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Full Name | Ajit Hanamakkanavar |
Current Role | Head of News & Programmes, Asianet Suvarna News |
Key Shows | Left, Right & Centre; Suvarna News Hour |
Media Presence | Strong in Kannada TV; minimal on social media |
Legal Issues | FIRs in 2018 & 2024 (sections 153A, 505(2)); 2019 FIR quashed |
Recognition | Dubai India Icon Award |
Style | Bold, outspoken, nationalist rhetoric |
Controversies | Anti-Muslim sentiments, provocative graphics, derogatory remarks |
🌟 Top Interesting Facts
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Legal Acquittal in 2019 – Karnataka High Court recognized his right to free speech, quashing FIRs (casemine.com).
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Graphic Mixup in 2024 – A mistaken use of a Pakistan flag for Indian Muslims triggered national backlash and an FIR (thenewsminute.com).
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Spiritual Speech Maker – He regularly delivers philosophical talks merging science, ethics, and faith—a clip from April is available on YouTube .
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Awarded Abroad – Honored with the Dubai India Icon Award, signaling recognition beyond India (instagram.com).
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Quiet on X (Twitter) – Despite high visibility on TV, his tweet activity sheet shows no updates since 2021 .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Ajit Hanamakkanavar’s current job?
He is currently the Head of News and Programmes at Kannada news channel Asianet Suvarna News (casemine.com).
2. Has he faced legal action?
Yes:
– 2018 FIRs under IPC Sections 153A & 505(2), later quashed in January 2019.
– 2024 FIR for alleged communal hate speech related to a broadcast graphic (thenewsminute.com).
3. Did he apologize for derogatory religious comments?
Yes, he issued a public apology after making remarks regarded as disrespectful toward Prophet Muhammad (thecognate.com).
4. Is he active on social media?
He joined X (Twitter) in November 2021 but has posted nothing since (x.com).
5. What is his most recent noteworthy controversy?
The 2024 FIR over an episode that displayed the Pakistani flag to represent Indian Muslims—a graphic error that went viral (thenewsminute.com).
6. Has he won any awards?
Yes—he was honored with the Dubai India Icon Award (year unspecified) .
🔚 Final Thoughts
Ajit Hanamakkanavar’s journalism career captures the tension between bold public discourse and legal limits around communal speech in India. His style—uncompromising, direct, and occasionally inflammatory—garners both praise and criticism. Whether seen as a fearless anchor or a divisive figure, Ajit’s impact on Kannada media remains profound.
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