Rohini Singh is a well-known Indian journalist and columnist recognized for her investigative reporting and critical commentary on political and social issues. With a career spanning multiple media outlets, Singh has gained prominence for her fearless journalism, often focusing on the intersection of politics, business, and governance in India. Her work, particularly with The Wire, has made her a polarizing figure, admired by some for her tenacity and criticized by others for alleged bias.
Early Life and Education
Rohini Singh was born in India, though specific details about her birth date and place remain largely private. Raised in a family with political connections, Singh’s background provided her with an early understanding of the dynamics of power and influence in India. Her sister reportedly contested an election in Bihar on a Congress ticket, indicating a familial link to politics that may have shaped her perspective on governance and public policy.
Singh pursued her education with a focus on developing skills that would later serve her journalistic career. While exact details about her academic qualifications are not widely publicized, her proficiency in political analysis and writing suggests a strong foundation in humanities or social sciences. After completing her education in India, Singh briefly moved to the United States following her marriage, an experience that broadened her worldview before she returned to pursue journalism full-time.
Early Career in Journalism
Rohini Singh began her journalistic career with CNBC 18, a business news channel, where she honed her skills in reporting and analysis. This initial stint allowed her to gain experience in covering economic and business-related stories, setting the stage for her later work on the nexus between business and politics. After returning to India from the US, Singh joined The Economic Times, one of India’s leading financial newspapers, as a political commentator and assistant editor.
Her tenure at The Economic Times marked a significant phase in her career. Singh covered a range of topics, including political developments and economic policies, earning a reputation for her incisive reporting. However, her time at the publication was not without controversy. During the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Singh’s reporting was criticized for alleged partisanship, which some claimed damaged the credibility of The Economic Times. This led to her departure from the outlet, a turning point that redirected her career toward more independent and investigative journalism.
Transition to The Wire and Rise to Prominence
Following her exit from The Economic Times, Rohini Singh faced challenges in securing a position with mainstream media houses, possibly due to the reputational fallout from her controversial reporting. However, she found a new platform with The Wire, a left-leaning online news portal known for its critical stance on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its investigative journalism. Under the mentorship of M.K. Venu, one of The Wire’s co-founders, Singh began contributing articles that would cement her status as a prominent journalist.
Singh’s breakthrough came in October 2017 with her investigative piece titled “The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah,” published by The Wire. The article alleged that the turnover of a company owned by Jay Amit Shah, son of Amit Shah (then BJP president and current Union Home Minister), increased dramatically by 16,000 times following the BJP’s rise to power in 2014. This report sparked widespread debate and brought Singh into the national spotlight. While her supporters praised her for exposing potential cronyism, critics accused her of bias and questioned the veracity of her claims. Jay Amit Shah filed a criminal defamation suit against Singh and The Wire, a legal battle that remains a significant chapter in her career.
Notable Works and Investigative Journalism
Rohini Singh’s body of work at The Wire reflects her focus on uncovering alleged corruption and ethical breaches within India’s political and business elite. Some of her notable articles include:
- “In Selling Firm to Piramal Group as Minister, Piyush Goyal Pushes Ethical Boundaries” (2018)
This piece investigated the business dealings of Piyush Goyal, a prominent BJP leader and then-Railway Minister, raising questions about conflicts of interest in his sale of a company to the Piramal Group. - “CBI Officer’s Explosive Petition: ‘Minister Paid, Doval Blocked Search for Evidence’” (2018)
Singh reported on allegations of interference by high-ranking officials in a corruption probe, implicating National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and others. - “Exclusive: CVC Met Alok Verma to Request He Withdraw Adverse Comments on Asthana” (2019)
This article detailed internal conflicts within India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), shedding light on power struggles and alleged attempts to suppress dissent.
Her reporting has often drawn attention to the Modi government’s policies and the influence of powerful business families, making her a target of both praise and criticism. Singh’s work has also extended beyond The Wire, with contributions to platforms like Medium, The New York Times, and Rediff.com, showcasing her versatility as a writer.
Controversies and Criticism
Rohini Singh’s career has been marked by significant controversies, many of which stem from her investigative reporting. The defamation lawsuit filed by Jay Amit Shah in 2017 remains one of the most high-profile cases against her. Critics, particularly from right-wing circles, have labeled her a “supari journalist,” a term implying that she takes payments to write biased stories against political or business rivals. Allegations have also surfaced about her receiving a 2BHK flat in Lucknow as a gift from a prominent politician, a claim that has fueled online trolling and earned her the nickname “2BHK journalist.”
Singh’s critics have accused her of running smear campaigns, particularly against the BJP and its affiliates. Her reporting during the 2017 UP elections and her subsequent articles for The Wire have been cited as evidence of partisan journalism. Additionally, her social media presence, particularly on Twitter (now X), has drawn scrutiny. Posts questioning the contributions of billionaires during the COVID-19 pandemic and her critiques of government policies have led to accusations of “whataboutery” and selective outrage.
In 2021, Forbidden Stories revealed that Singh was among the journalists targeted for surveillance using the Pegasus spyware in 2018 and 2019, underscoring the risks she faces due to her work. While she has acknowledged the surveillance, Singh has expressed resignation rather than surprise, reflecting the challenges of practicing independent journalism in India.
Personal Life
Rohini Singh maintains a relatively low profile regarding her personal life. She was married and lived in the United States for a period before returning to India. Details about her husband, family, and current marital status are not widely available, as Singh prefers to keep her private life out of the public eye. Her focus remains on her professional endeavors, and she is active on social media, where she engages with followers and shares her views on current events.
Legacy and Impact
As of March 17, 2025, Rohini Singh continues to be a significant voice in Indian journalism. Her work has sparked important conversations about transparency, accountability, and the role of the media in a democracy. While her critics question her methods and motives, her supporters view her as a courageous journalist unafraid to challenge powerful interests.
Singh’s career trajectory—from mainstream media to independent platforms—reflects broader shifts in the Indian media landscape, where digital outlets have become vital spaces for investigative reporting. Her experiences with legal battles, surveillance, and public scrutiny highlight the risks faced by journalists in India, particularly those who tackle sensitive topics.
Conclusion
Rohini Singh’s journey as a journalist is a testament to her resilience and commitment to uncovering the truth, even in the face of adversity. From her early days at CNBC 18 and The Economic Times to her high-profile investigations at The Wire, Singh has left an indelible mark on Indian journalism. Whether admired or criticized, her work continues to shape public discourse, making her a key figure to watch in the evolving world of media.
Top FAQs About Rohini Singh, Journalist
- Who is Rohini Singh?
Rohini Singh is an Indian journalist and columnist known for her investigative reporting on politics and business. She gained prominence for her work with The Wire, particularly her 2017 article on Jay Amit Shah. - What is Rohini Singh famous for?
Singh is famous for her investigative piece “The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah,” which alleged a dramatic increase in the business turnover of Jay Amit Shah’s company after the BJP came to power in 2014. - Why is Rohini Singh called the “2BHK journalist”?
The nickname “2BHK journalist” stems from allegations that Singh received a 2BHK flat in Lucknow as a gift from a politician, a claim used by critics to troll her online. - Which media outlets has Rohini Singh worked for?
Singh has worked for CNBC 18, The Economic Times, and The Wire. She has also contributed to platforms like Medium, The New York Times, and Rediff.com. - What controversies has Rohini Singh been involved in?
Singh has faced controversies over alleged biased reporting during the 2017 UP elections, her article on Jay Amit Shah (leading to a defamation lawsuit), and claims of being a “supari journalist.” - Was Rohini Singh targeted by Pegasus spyware?
Yes, according to Forbidden Stories, Singh was selected for surveillance with Pegasus spyware in 2018 and 2019, though her phone could not be analyzed to confirm the infection. - What is Rohini Singh’s educational background?
Specific details about her education are not widely available, but her expertise suggests a strong background in humanities or social sciences. - Is Rohini Singh active on social media?
Yes, Singh is active on Twitter (X), where she shares her views, engages with followers, and often faces both support and criticism. - What is the defamation case against Rohini Singh about?
Jay Amit Shah filed a criminal defamation suit against Singh and The Wire in 2017, alleging that her article falsely claimed his company’s turnover increased due to political influence. - What is Rohini Singh’s current role?
As of March 17, 2025, Singh continues to contribute to The Wire and other platforms, focusing on investigative journalism and political commentary.
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