Last Updated:
Gokhale said Touseef Ahmed Khan “has no connection with the TMC.” The debate clip sparked widespread outrage on social media.
TMC MP Saket Gokhale; Touseef Ahmed(L) (Image: X)
Intense confrontations between guests on television debates have become common these days, yet it is unusual for them to be removed from a live broadcast for misconduct. Such an incident was reported on Thursday during a live debate over SIR in West Bengal.
News18 India viewers were taken aback when anchor Rubika Liyaquat asked Touseef Ahmed Khan, who was invited for a debate show, to leave the discussion after he allegedly made an “obscene” hand gesture during a live broadcast.
Touseef Ahmed Khan drew flak from the BJP over his conduct during the show. Calling Khan a “TMC leader,” the BJP linked the episode to concerns about women’s safety in West Bengal- a response that drew a response from the TMC.
“TMC Leader”? BJP clearly cannot see that this man was introduced by the channel as a “political analyst”.To make it clear: @AITCofficial does NOT send party leaders or spokespersons on this particular show for reasons best known.
This is a good toolkit: invite a random… https://t.co/YeCVO8Ex5E
— Saket Gokhale MP (@SaketGokhale) November 27, 2025
TMC MP Saket Gokhale hit back at the BJP, distancing the party from Khan and stating he was a “political analyst.” Gokhale also accused the BJP of spreading deliberate misinformation, dismissing the BJP’s claims as a “toolkit tactic” and emphasising that Khan had no connection with the party.
““TMC Leader”? BJP clearly cannot see that this man was introduced by the channel as a “political analyst”. To make it clear: @AITCofficial does NOT send party leaders or spokespersons on this particular show for reasons best known. This is a good toolkit: invite a random “political analyst” & then pass them off as a “TMC leader”…,” he wrote on X.
Gokhale further claimed that the BJP was using “proxies” to target the TMC. “This man has NO connection with the TMC. Whether he did this on BJP’s request is for them to clarify,” he further wrote.
BJP Targets TMC Over Khan’s Conduct
Earlier, the BJP shared the clip on X, claiming that Khan, whom they identified as a TMC leader, had acted obscenely toward a woman anchor. “TMC model is a textbook example of how a government must NEVER function. TMC leader Touseef Ahmed Khan made obscene hand gestures on live television at a woman anchor simply because she exposed his lies,” BJP tweeted.
Meanwhile, Liyaquat on Friday expressed her emotions on social media, calling the incident a moment that tested “character” rather than ideas.
In her post, she said, “The indecency that took place during my show was not just an insult to me, but to every woman who works with her hard work and honesty,” and thanked viewers for the overwhelming support they extended.
The clip has since sparked widespread outrage on social media.
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More
November 28, 2025, 13:12 IST
Read More
