Arnab Goswami gets candid: Was not even allowed to enter Times Now studio

This, Goswami said, happened after he questioned Kejriwal's protest against note ban

Renowned journalist and broadcaster Arnab Goswami finally revealed the reason behind his abrupt decision to quit Times Now and form a venture of his own.

In an interview to News24, former Editor-in-Chief at Times Now Goswami said he wanted to establish an unbiased media publication that could raise tough questions which others usually steer clear of.

Goswami said, “I have declared my independence from the fake media, compromised media." He added, in a visibly hurt tone, "“Two days before I left Times Now, I was told you can't do the program. 18th November was my last day, I was not allowed to enter my own studio. The studio I built. I was stopped." (Watch the entire interview here)

This, Goswami said, happened after he questioned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's move on November 14 to hold a protest rally against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation initiative at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Arnab Goswami anchored Newshour at 9 pm that witnessed high-charged debates on various issues. In November, he announced his new venture ‘Republic'. Meanwhile, Rahul Shivshankar filled in Goswami's big boots as the Editor-In-Chief of the news channel.

While resigning Arnab had said, 'The game has just begun'. He has often been criticised for his abrasive style in anchoring, jingoism and pro-BJP stand.

Here are highlights of Arnab Goswami's interview to News24:

* Arnab on raising tough questions: I have declared my independence. And I raise my questions fearlessly and as openly. I and my small team of young journalists will now raise all questions. I don't need anything, not even security. But, we will raise the tough questions.

* Arnab on fake media: A large section of the media has compromised. Not reporters, but editors. I am raising these questions because I have declared my independence from the fake media and compromised media. Am I dividing this country by asking questions about triple talaq?

* Arnab to the audience: The only question I ask is this - 

"Will we ask difficult questions or will we avoid them?  “Should I stop asking these questions or play safe?” Goswami asked the audience.

* Arnab's final journey at Times Now: “Two days before I left Times Now, I was told you can’t do the programme. I said, "you don't feel scared, I will do the programme." 18th November was my last day, I was not allowed to enter my own studio. The studio I built. I was stopped.” 

“I was very upset. When you build an institution and are not allowed to enter your own studio you feel sad. It hurts you somewhere.

* Arnab blames Arvind Kejriwal for his downfall: On the 14th of November I said, "Arvind Kejriwal should stop the drama and stop asking people to come to Jantar Mantar to protest against demonetisation".

* Opinion: Arnab Goswami said that Opinion is the future of journalism. I will fall ill if I keep listening to people the entire day, he said.

*Arnab on 'real New Hour': I don't miss the camera, I miss 9 pm. I'm missing the real News Hour because in those two hours I used to become completely free, I could speak my mind. In the last four months, so many things have happened that I really wanted to go back to the studio. 

Arnab on why he shouts: Arnab Goswami went on to say that in this country if you don't shout, you will not be heard. "Media should not become political or fall in political camp. We should not be pro-Congress, Pro-BJP, Pro-AAP media, and then we will be free," he said.