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.
Claim
Despite being the Congress’ Chief, Mallikarjun Kharge was seen waiting for Sonia Gandhi’s approval to take his seat.
Fact
Kharge was standing as the announcer was inviting him to the podium to deliver his address. A cropped version of the video is being shared out of context.
A video of Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on stage is being widely shared on social media platforms. In the 18-second-footage, Sonia Gandhi and other leaders can be seen taking their seats, while the Congress chief Kharge remains standing. Several social media users shared the video alleging that Kharge was waiting for Sonia Gandhi’s approval to sit, and encouraging the “self respecting” Karnataka voters to “vote wisely on May 10.”
The video is being widely shared on Twitter ahead of the upcoming Karnataka polls. BJP’s Amit Malviya tweeted the viral clip with the caption, “Reminds me of the famous dialogue from Zanjeer… जब तक बैठने को नहीं कहा जाए, शराफ़त से खड़े रहो… (Do not sit until you are told to do so)…A vote for Congress means letting Sonia and Rahul Gandhi run Karnataka by proxy! Don’t let that happen, Karnataka. You are too self respecting for that… Vote wisely on 10th. “
Such posts can be seen here, here and here.
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Fact Check/Verification
We skimmed through the official YouTube channel of the Congress, and found that the viral footage was taken from a rally addressed by Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in Karnataka’s Hubballi on May 6, 2023.
Around 22:30 minutes into the video, we spotted the viral footage shared to show that Kharge was waiting for Sonia Gandhi’s “permission” to sit.
The longer version of the video, however, the Congress chief can be seen moving towards the podium to address the gathering a few seconds after Sonia Gandhi takes her seat. Furthermore, as soon as Kharge’s name is announced, everyone seated on stage, including Sonia Gandhi, can be seen getting on their feet.
Also Read: Old Video Of Tyre Stuffed With Currency Notes Falsely Linked To Upcoming Karnataka Elections
Additionally, the original audio where the announcer can be heard calling Kharge to stage has also been muted in the viral footage.
This clarifies that Kharge was not waiting for Sonia Gandhi’s approval, rather he was standing as the announcer was inviting him to the podium to deliver his address.
Conclusion
A cropped version of the video from the Congress’ recent rally at the poll-bound Karnataka has been shared to falsely show Mallikarjun Kharge waiting for Sonia Gandhi’s permission to sit.
Result: Missing Context
Sources
YouTube Video By Indian National Congress, Dated May 6, 2023
Self Analysis
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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.
