Authors
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
Bulldozer sent to Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat ahead of the third term of the BJP government. (Archive Link)
Many including Congress leader Jairam Ramesh have shared such claims on the X handle. (Archive Link)
Fact
To find more details behind why the bulldozer was stationed at the Sabarmati Ashram, we got in touch with the manager of the premises, who clarified that no demolition work was being carried out in the Ashram before or after the Lok Sabha elections.
“There are some other works being carried out around the Ashram area and so the vehicle and machinery are there. As far as the Ashram is concerned, no such demolition activities inside the main Ashram campus have been carried out,”(translated from Gujarati) Vaishali Mistry, the manager of the ashram, told Newschecker.
Newschecker also reached out to the Deputy-Commissioner of Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner I.K. Patel (IAS), who confirmed that there has been no demolition work in the ashram.
Clarifying the viral image, he said, “The bulldozer was not brought for any demolition work in Gandhi Ashram. It was just parked there as there were other works going on around the ashram. It has nothing to do with the claim circulating in social media (translated from Gujarati).”
He also added, “It has been decided that all the buildings which were constructed after 1947 and which are not in good condition will be demolished. And we are not even demolishing any structure near Hridaykunj which is in the main Ashram (translated from Gujarati).”
Newschecker also tried to contact Tushar Gandhi, who first posted the claim on X handle.
The story will be updated after receiving his response.
However, we came across a tweet by Tushar Gandhi, where he asserted that he did not lie about the bulldozer in front of the ashram.
Result: Missing Context
(Reporting by Dipalkumar Shah)
Source
Telephonic conversation I. K. Patel (IAS), Deputy-Commissioner, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner
Vaishali Mistry, Manager, Sabarmati Ashram
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Authors
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.
