A day after PM Narendra Modi, during a rally in Delhi, accused Rajiv Gandhi of using warship INS Viraat as a "personal taxi" for a family holiday and also tweeted the original report by India Today magazine, India Today TV spoke to journalist Anitha Pratap who broke the story in 1988.

On whether the story was as controversial back then as it has become now, Anitha Pratap said, "Not at all. Strange as it may seem, what was more controversial back then was Rajiv Gandhi saving a whale. It became controversial as it was a dolphin that he had saved, as reported by me."

She said Rajiv Gandhi using warship INS Viraat for a vacation in Lakshadweep did create some controversy but it soon died down as media moved onwas at Trivandrum as chief guest for the National Games prize distribution. He was going to Lakshadweep on official duty, to chair a meeting of IDA. There were no foreigners with them. I hosted a dinner for them onboard the ship. There were no other parties held on board INS Viraat... They did, ofcourse visit some of the islands on short trips by helicopter to meet local officials, as also the people there. (PM is authorised to travel along with his spouse by service aircraft on official duties). From what I know only Rajiv and Sonia went ashore by helicopter and Rahul never accompanied them."

The statement further read, "During his visit to Banagaram on the last day, a few naval divers had been sent ashore for PM's safety.