Claim
RJD MP Manoj Jha, who compared India to Pakistan, and Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar are among the signatories.
“भारत की तुलना पाकिस्तान से करने वाले आरजेडी सांसद मनोज झा हैं। कांग्रेस के थिंक टैंक कहे जाने वाले मणिशंकर अय्यर”▶ Watch source segment
Rationale
The core claim is verified: multiple independent reports (ANI, Tribune, IANS, Kashmir-based outlets) confirm that RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar were among the 61 Indian signatories of the June 30, 2026 open letter to the prime ministers of India and Pakistan seeking restoration of dialogue and diplomatic ties. Both names appear in signatory lists published before the July 2 broadcast. The anchor's characterization of Jha as one 'who compared India to Pakistan' is an editorial framing of his earlier remarks, but the factual assertion that both men signed the letter is accurate.
Evidence
- https://kashmirdotcom.in/2026/07/01/over-100-eminent-citizens-from-india-pakistan-write-to-modi-shehbaz-seek-end-to-continued-hostility/ Reports the June 30, 2026 open letter to PMs Modi and Shehbaz Sharif signed by 116 people (61 Indians, 55 Pakistanis) and explicitly names Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar among the signatories. ✓ reachable · archived
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/revive-bilateral-dialogue-restore-normal-ties-politicians-former-diplomats-from-india-pakistan-urge-both-govts/ Independent wire-based report confirming the letter urging revival of India-Pakistan dialogue with both Manoj Jha and Mani Shankar Aiyar as signatories. ✓ reachable · archived
- https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/state-should-make-its-own-calculations-assess-its-priorities-rjds-manoj-kumar-jha-on-letter-urging-india-pakistan-dialogue20260701191823/ ANI report of July 1, 2026 in which Manoj Jha himself responds to questions about the letter, confirming his association as a signatory. ✓ reachable · archived
- https://aninews.in/news/national/politics/funny-situation-rjd-mp-manoj-jha-criticises-india-pakistan-t20-world-cup-match20260215161318/ Context for the anchor's descriptor: Jha's February 2026 remarks questioning the India-Pakistan T20 match, which critics framed as equating India with Pakistan. ✓ reachable · archived