While Kakati claims that she just said "Ata" as in Atal Behari Vajpayee, Doordarshan news editors say they have sacked her for saying "Atul" as in Atul Bora, a definite persona non grata. Atul Bora, an ex-AGP minister had, a few months ago, resigned from the Mahanta Cabinet to challenge his chief ministership.

Kakati says that on the fateful day, during her 15-minute news programme, she had already finished reading the first two news stories involving the Prime Minister. "The third news item was about the Chief Minister. But because I had mentioned Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee three-four times, I justsaid `mukhya mantri Ata.. Prafulla Kumar Mahanta.' I corrected myself immediately. But the bosses think that I deliberately wanted to say Atul Bora."

Without seeking an explanation from Kakati, who has been working with the Guwahati Doordarshan for 11 years, the news editors cancelled her contract and told her clearly that she will not be hired in the future.

DD's letter to Kakati, a casual employee on contract, dated July 14, reads: "While presenting the news on July 13 you mentioned the name of the Chief Minister as Atul. Though immediately you read the correct name as Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, but without any regret. In view of the above it has been decided to stop your contract for news presentation for we fear in future you may do more damage to the reputation of the Kendra."