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
Maharashtra Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam criticised his own party, and sought votes for the BJP.
Fact
Nirupam made these remarks after his association with the Congress ended in April, 2024.
Following MVA’s debacle in Maharashtra Polls, an alleged video of politician Sanjay Nirupam criticising the Congress, and asking voters to vote for the BJP and its allies has gone viral on social media platforms.
In the video, Nirupam is purportedly heard saying, “I would like to appeal to the voters of the country to vote for the BJP and its allies. Why? There are two reasons. Firstly, don’t waste your vote by voting in favour of the Congress Party. The Congress party is like a Mumbai heritage building. It is not liveable. “
Adding, “A few old and tired leaders are trying to support the building. They can save the building, but cannot change the country’s condition….after working with the party for a long time, I realised that the Congress party has no future.”
Multiple X and Facebook users shared the video stating, “Listen to Maharashtra Congress veteran leader Sanjay Nirupam (translated from Hindi via Google).” The text overlay on the clip reads,”Sanjay Nirupam’s appeal to voters.”
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Old, Unrelated Video Shared Claiming To Show Police Action In Sambhal Amid Recent Violence
Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the viral footage, we spotted a ticker identifying Nirupam as “Former Congress Leader.”
We then looked up keywords “Sanjay Nirupam,” “Congress” “Vote” and “Waste” on Google which led us to a YouTube video by ANI, dated April 19, 2024. It carried the same video byte of Nirupam, with the title “Don’t waste your vote on Congress…” Expelled Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam.”
The video was also shared by The Tribune on April 19, 2024.
A longer version of the same video was also shared on the official X handle of ANI in April, 2024. In the video, Nirupam is clearly heard saying, “Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections is taking place today,” before making the appeal to the voters.
Notably, the Congress had expelled Nirupam for six years over “indiscipline” and “anti-party statements” on April 3, 2024. “Taking note of the complaints of indiscipline and anti-party statements, the Hon’ble Congress President has approved the expulsion of Shri Sanjay Nirupam from the party for six years with immediate effect,” stated an April 3, 2024 press release by Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal.
Nirupam, however, had said that the Congress party expelled him after receiving his resignation letter. In an X post, dated April 4, 2024, he stated, “Looks like immediately after the party received my resignation letter last night, they decided to issue my expulsion. Good to see such promptness…” He also shared a screenshot of his resignation mail.
He joined Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in May and contested Dindoshi seat in the recently concluded Maharashtra Polls. Nirupam, however, lost the same to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sunil Waman Prabhu with a margin over 6000 votes.
Conclusion
Hence, the viral remarks were made by Sanjay Nirupam after his association ended with the Congress in April, 2024, and the video has been shared without context.
Result: Missing Context
Sources
YouTube Video By ANI, Dated April 19, 2024
X post by @PTI_News, Dated April 3, 2024
X Post By @sanjaynirupam, Dated April 4, 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.
