Roadblock in Dainik Bhaskar's expansion spree

Dainik Bhaskar's expansion plans in Bihar and Jharkhand appear to have hit a roadblock with the co-owner of the Bhaskar title, Sanjay Agarwal, raising objections raised to the use of the Bhaskar brand name.

Taking cognisance of Agarwal's protest letters, the district magistrates in Patna and Ranchi — the authority for title verification in the state — have issued showcause notices to D B Corp — owned by the other wing of the family, now headed by Ramesh Chandra Agarwal, seeking an explanation within seven days.


Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Sanjay Agarwal explained that the Dainik Bhaskar title can be used by both wings of the family but only by mutual consent> This, he said, is in accordance with a 2003 Supreme Court ruling and a subsequent order by the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI).

Sanjay Agarwal said, "I found out that D B Corp was all set to bring out editions from Ranchi and Patna. They have not taken a no-objection certificate from me. This is a breach of trust."

Sanjay Agarwal — who is owner of the Bhaskar's Jhansi edition — said that this expansion would adversely impact his business. "I will only allow the Bhaskar editions if I am part of the business or else my expansion plans in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh will be affected," he said.