A months-long undercover investigation has revealed that several self-proclaimed “independent” journalists and content creators who have been widely praised for their coverage of the ongoing Delhi protests were willing to produce paid political content for the Samajwadi Party (SP) ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections, in some cases quoting rates running into lakhs of rupees per month.
The investigation, conducted by journalist Vishal Maheshwari using a fictitious email identity, approached more than a dozen individuals who present themselves as impartial, independent voices. Most responded not with a refusal on journalistic grounds, but with work samples, price lists and mobile numbers for further discussions.
News Capsule Journalists Manisha Singh and Priya Singh Quoted Up To ₹40,000 Per Reel
Manisha Singh, whose videos frequently appear on the digital media outlet News Capsule, allegedly quoted ₹40,000 for a single Instagram reel when approached with the proposal to create political content for the SP.
Priya Singh, who is also associated with News Capsule, reportedly quoted between ₹30,000 and ₹35,000 per reel. According to Maheshwari, she did not reject the proposal on journalistic grounds but instead shared her rates for producing the content.
Shivani Gautam, Who Previously Spoke About BJP IT Cell Offer, Allegedly Expressed Interest In SP Project
Shivani Gautam, who has been seen confronting police officers during the Delhi protests, was another individual featured in the investigation.
Maheshwari pointed to a previous video in which Gautam claimed that the BJP IT Cell had approached her with an offer to produce paid videos. In that instance, she publicly exposed the approach as an example of political attempts to pay journalists for content.
Remember this girl who was repeatedly seen arguing with police officers during the protests in Delhi? Her name is Shivani Gautam.
Shivani presents herself as an independent journalist and a voice of impartiality. In one of her videos, she claimed that the BJP IT Cell had approached her with an offer to make paid videos. She exposed the offer publicly, presenting it as an example of political attempts to pay journalists for content.
But here’s what happened when Shivani received a similar offer in the name of the SP. Instead of exposing the offer, Shivani expressed interest in the collaboration and even shared her mobile number for further communication. 3/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 14, 2026
However, when Maheshwari approached her with a similar proposal on behalf of the SP, she allegedly expressed interest in collaborating and shared her mobile number for further communication.
Anti-Brahmin Activist Lakhshya Lakey Quotes 1 Lakh For 1 Reel
Anti-brahmin activist who abused Brahmin women, trivialised Kashmiri Pandit genocide, reportedly quoted ₹1 lakh per Instagram reel.
Zaish Malik And Prisha Yadav Also Responded To The Proposal
Zaish Malik, who has been covering the Delhi protests with a microphone and press card, was also approached with the proposal to create political content for the SP.
Meet Zaish Malik. He is actively covering the protests, microphone in hand and press card around his neck, presenting himself as an impartial voice for the common people.
But when approached with an offer to create political content for the Political Party, he was also willing to discuss the proposal.
So much for the image of independent journalism! 4/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 14, 2026
According to Maheshwari, Malik was willing to discuss the proposal rather than decline it on journalistic grounds.
Prisha Yadav, another journalist covering the protests, allegedly offered political content packages priced between 13,000 and ₹85,000, depending on the package selected.
Harassing security personnel during protests for no apparent reason is increasingly being portrayed as revolutionary journalism. And those engaging in it are being celebrated as fearless, independent voices.
Meet Prisha Yadav, another journalist who has been actively covering the protests.
When approached with a proposal to create Instagram content for the SP, she was also willing to work with the party. Her quoted rates ranged from ₹13,000 to ₹85,000, depending on the content package. 5/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 14, 2026
Manish Rajput Quoted ₹15,000 Per Reel; Govind Gurjar Shared His Number And Work Samples
Manish Rajput, who was seen confronting an Aaj Tak journalist alongside others who shouted “Godi Media”, was another name in the investigation.
Meet Manish Rajput, one of the people who confronted an Aaj Tak journalist, surrounding him and shouting “Godi Media” at him.
But when it comes to creating political content for SP, Manish is willing to take up the assignment. He is ready to make reels for SP starting at ₹15,000 per reel. 6/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 14, 2026
When approached with the proposal to create political content for the SP, Rajput reportedly indicated that he was willing to take up the assignment, quoting a starting price of ₹15,000 per reel.
Govind Gurjar, who has been covering the Delhi protests and criticising other journalists as “Godi Media”, was contacted twice by Maheshwari.
Meet Govind Gurjar, who is covering the Delhi protests, branding other journalists as “Godi Media” and presenting himself as part of the independent media.
I emailed him twice with a proposal to create Instagram videos for the Samajwadi Party ahead of the 2027 UP elections.
He did not reject the proposal on journalistic grounds. Instead, he said he was busy covering the protests and shared his mobile number along with samples of his work.
What moral authority do these people have to call others ‘Godi Media’ while entertaining offers to create political content for a party? 7/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 14, 2026
According to Maheshwari, Gurjar said he was busy covering the protests but shared his mobile number and samples of his previous work rather than rejecting the proposal outright.
Vandana Meena Quoted Up To ₹1.6 Lakh; Milan Sar Asked For Up To ₹50,000 Per Reel
Content creator Vandana Meena, who has been producing videos from the Delhi protests, was also included in the investigation. Maheshwari noted that she receives media passes from the Congress party to attend Rahul Gandhi’s programmes.
Another name in this investigation is content creator Vandana Meena, who has been making videos during the ongoing Delhi protests. She also receives media passes from the Congress party to attend Rahul Gandhi’s programmes.
When approached with a proposal to create Instagram content for the SP, she shared a package priced between ₹15,000 and ₹1.6 lakh, depending on the offering. 8/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 14, 2026
When approached with the SP proposal, Meena reportedly shared a package priced between ₹15,000 and ₹1.6 lakh, depending on the services offered.
Milan Sar, also known as Anil Kumar, has been visible at the Delhi protests and has also been seen attending Rahul Gandhi’s programmes.
This is journalist Milan Sar, also known as Anil Kumar. He has been visible at the Delhi protests in recent days, while at other times, he is seen attending Rahul Gandhi’s programmes.
When approached with a proposal to create Instagram content for the SP, he quoted ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per reel.
By now, you may have an idea of why these people keep showing up at such politically significant events and how much their claims of being independent. 9/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 14, 2026
According to Maheshwari, Sar quoted between ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 per reel for creating political content for the SP.
‘Khota Sikka’, Neha Sharma And Vishal Kadyan Also Featured
The investigation also named the person behind social media accounts operating under the name ‘Khota Sikka’, who creates rap songs about political and social issues.
Another name worth looking at is the person behind the social media accounts operating under the name ‘Khota Sikka’. He creates rap songs on political and social issues.
Over the past few months, he has also been seen moving around the Delhi protests with a microphone. He frequently appears at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘chhatron ki goonj’ programme, where he receives a media pass.
His quoted charges for creating political content range from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000. 10/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 14, 2026
The individual has reportedly been seen covering the Delhi protests with a microphone and frequently appears at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme, where he receives a media pass.
Maheshwari said the creator’s quoted charges for political content ranged from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000.
Neha Sharma, who operates social media accounts under the name ‘That’s Her Podcast’ and presents herself as an independent journalist, was another person approached.
Journalist Neha Sharma is another name in this investigation. She has been actively covering the protests and runs social media accounts under the name ‘That’s Her Podcast’, presenting herself as an independent journalist.
When it comes to political promotion, however, her quoted charges go up to ₹50,000 for creating content for a political party. 11/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 14, 2026
She has been actively covering the protests and reportedly quoted charges of up to ₹50,000 for producing political content for a party.
Vishal Kadyan, who covers the protests with a microphone and press card and also receives media passes for Rahul Gandhi’s events, was reportedly willing to discuss the SP project when approached.
Vishal Kadyan covers the Delhi protests with a press card and microphone. He is also given media passes for Rahul Gandhi’s events.
When approached with an offer to create political videos for the SP ahead of the 2027 UP elections, this self-described independent journalist was willing to discuss the project.
How does this square with the image of an impartial, independent voice that he presents to the public?
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 14, 2026
Human Online Journalist Garima Singh Allegedly Quoted ₹12,000 Per Reel
Garima Singh, a journalist associated with Human Online who has received praise for her coverage of the Delhi protests, was also approached by Maheshwari using the fake email ID.
According to the email response he shared, Garima quoted ₹12,000 for a single reel. She also acknowledged that she had previously made videos for the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Tanu Baliyan Quoted ₹3 Lakh Monthly; Fiza Zamiruddin Initially Quoted Up To ₹50,000 Per Reel
Tanu Baliyan, another self-described independent journalist covering the Delhi protests, reportedly quoted ₹12,000 per reel for the proposed SP project. She also quoted a monthly fee of ₹3 lakh.
Tanu Baliyan is another self-proclaimed independent journalist covering the Delhi protests. Watch the video to see the language she uses while addressing security personnel.
When I approached her with an offer to create political reels for the SP, she quoted ₹12,000 per reel. She also quoted a monthly fee of ₹3 lakh. 2/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 15, 2026
Maheshwari also approached Fiza Zamiruddin, a journalist associated with 4PM. His post referred to an earlier investigation by the account @TheFactMyths, which had accused Zamiruddin of spreading fake news.
According to Maheshwari, Zamiruddin initially quoted between ₹40,000 and ₹50,000 for a single reel and said her monthly charges would be between ₹4 lakh and ₹5 lakh. She also shared her mobile number to discuss the proposal.
However, approximately an hour later, she sent another email declining to make the videos.
Maheshwari highlighted the subsequent withdrawal in his account of the exchange, suggesting that she may have become suspicious of the proposal.
Alka Maurya Quoted ₹50,000; Prateek Tanmay Shared Contact Details
Content creator Alka Maurya, whose social media profile features numerous videos critical of the BJP, was also approached.
This is content creator Alka Maurya. Her profile features numerous videos against the BJP, she is invited to cover Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme, where she takes on the role of a journalist and receives a media pass.
When I emailed her with an offer to create political content for the SP, she quoted ₹50,000 for a single reel.
The issue isn’t that content creators are charging money to make videos. but Why pretend to be neutral and independent while blurring the line between journalism and paid political promotion? 4/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 15, 2026
Maheshwari noted that Maurya attends Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme as a journalist and receives a media pass. When offered the SP assignment, she reportedly quoted ₹50,000 for a single reel.
Journalist Prateek Tanmay was another person contacted with the proposal to produce political content ahead of the 2027 UP elections.
Journalist Prateek Tanmay was also approached with an offer to create political content for the SP ahead of the 2027 UP elections.
He shared his contact details and expressed his willingness to be included in the project. Another response worth examining when discussing the claims of independence and neutrality in journalism. 5/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 15, 2026
According to Maheshwari, Tanmay shared his contact details and expressed willingness to be considered for the project. The publicly described response did not include a specific price.
News Diggy Founder Gajendra Singh Asked To Discuss The Proposal
News Diggy founder Gajendra Singh was also approached with the offer to create Instagram content for the SP.
Rather than directly declining the proposal, Singh reportedly asked Maheshwari to share his mobile number so they could discuss the project further.
Maheshwari also referred to a video in which Singh can be seen threatening Delhi Police personnel.
News Diggy is the next name in this investigation. Its founder, Gajendra Singh, was approached with a proposal to create political content for the SP ahead of the 2027 UP elections.
Rather than directly declining the offer, he asked me to share my mobile number so we could discuss the project further.
In one video, Gajendra Singh can also be seen threatening to the Delhi Police.
Gajendra Singh and his colleague, journalist Rosy, have been active in the CJP protests. Rosy was also included in CJP’s team and covers Rahul Gandhi’s Chhatron Ki Goonj event as well. 6/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 15, 2026
He further noted that Singh and his colleague, journalist Rosy, had been active in the CJP protests. Rosy was reportedly included in CJP’s team and also covers Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme.
Alok Tripathi Quoted ₹30,000; Paras Shared A Reel Previously Priced At ₹25,000
Alok Tripathi, who has been seen covering the Delhi protests with a microphone, was featured in another part of the investigation. Maheshwari referred to a video in which Tripathi and others confront journalist Anurrag Mishra and call him “Godi Media”.
Alok Tripathi has been seen roaming around the Delhi protests with a microphone. In one video, Alok and others can be seen confronting @Anurragmishra and calling him ‘Godi Media.’
When I approached Alok with an offer to create political content for the SP, he quoted ₹30,000 for a single reel. 7/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 15, 2026
When approached with the proposal to create political content for the SP, Tripathi reportedly quoted ₹30,000 for a single reel.
Paras, a content creator seen at the CJP protests, reportedly quoted ₹30,000 per reel when contacted with the same proposal.
In her email, Paras also shared a link to a previous reel and said she had charged ₹25,000 for that video. The reel, which Maheshwari shared, featured her discussing Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme.
Paras is a content creator who was seen at the CJP protests. When I contacted her with an offer to create political content for the SP, she quoted ₹30,000 for a single reel.
In the same email, she shared a link to one of her previous reels and said she had charged ₹25,000 for it. I’m sharing that reel here as well. It features her talking about Rahul Gandhi’s Chhatron Ki Goonj event.
Notice a pattern in this thread, several of the people willing to discuss the SP’s political content project also cover Rahul Gandhi’s event, where their videos largely focus on praising him and the event. 8/
— Vishal Maheshwari (@vishalPosts) October 15, 2026
Maheshwari drew attention to a recurring pattern: several people who were willing to discuss the SP’s political content proposal also covered Rahul Gandhi’s events, where their videos frequently focused on the Congress leader and the programme.
Paid Political Promotion Or Independent Journalism?
The investigation by Vishal Maheshwari raises serious questions about the distinction between independent journalism and paid political promotion. While charging for content creation is not inherently problematic, the willingness to discuss political assignments while cultivating an image of impartiality raises questions about transparency and disclosure. With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections approaching, audiences deserve to know whether the political content they consume reflects independent reporting or paid promotion.
This article is based on X threads by Vishal Maheshwari.
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