Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Retired IAS officers Rajesh Kumar Gupta and Priyansh Sharma have been appointed as election commissioners.
Fact
Viral gazette notification was found to be fabricated. PIB Fact Check clarified that no such notification has been issued.
While the 2024 Lok Sabha election schedule is awaited, an alleged gazette notification by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs announcing the appointment of two retired IAS officers to the vacancy in the Election Commission has grabbed the social media attention. Multiple users shared a purported Gazette notification claiming that Rajesh Kumar Gupta and Priyansh Sharma have been appointed to “serve as election Commissioners.” The alleged gazette notification adds, “ Both Dr. Gupta and Shri. Sharma will assume office effective 13th March 2024. The President of Bharat has also granted his assent to these appointments.”
The claim is being widely shared on social media platforms.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here, here, here and here.
Also Read: No, 2024 Lok Sabha Poll Dates Not Out Yet, Fake ‘Schedule’ Viral On Whatsapp
Fact Check/Verification
A keyword search for “Rajesh Kumar Gupta,” “Priyansh Sharma,” & “election commission” did not yield any credible news reports on their appointment as the election commissioners.
We then scanned through the social media accounts of the Election Commission and the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, but did not spot any such announcement in either of their handles over the past 24 hours.
Further, we did not find any such Gazette announcing the appointment of Rajesh Kumar Gupta and Priyansh Sharma as election commissioners.
An advanced search on the eGazette website for extraordinary releases pertaining to Part-II Section-3, Sub-section -(i) – as can be seen in viral image- did not yield any relevant results either.
On comparing the viral images with Gazettes on the website, we found multiple differences in their design and format. Firstly, the Gazette ID was missing in the widely circulated image Additionally, the serial number which can be seen in the date/place line was also missing. A double line separating the date/place with the ministry’s name was not seen in the viral image.
Furthermore, the government’s PIB Fact Check also termed the viral image as fake. In an X post, dated March 13, 2024, PIB Fact Check clarified,”No such Gazette notification has been issued.”
Also Read: Fake BJP, Congress ‘Free Recharge’ Schemes Go Viral In Run-Up To Lok Sabha Polls
Conclusion
Viral gazette notification announcing the appointment of Rajesh Kumar Gupta and Priyansh Sharma as election commissioners is fabricated.
Result: False
Sources
eGazette Website
X Post By @PIBFactCheck, Dated March 13, 2024
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
