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
Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi seen carrying a bag with text “I don’t care about Bangladeshi Hindus” written on it.
Such posts can be seen here, here and here.
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Fact
A keyword search for “Priyanka Gandhi” and “bag” on Google led us to a report by India Today, dated December 16, 2024, carrying a photo of the Congress leader similar to the viral image. “Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra turned heads in Parliament on Monday, arriving with a bag emblazoned with “Palestine” on it. The striking accessory featured emblems symbolising solidarity with Palestinians, including a watermelon — a long-recognised motif of resistance in the region,” the report stated.
On comparing the viral photo of Priyanka Gandhi with her image featured in the news report, we found them to be identical, except for the bag.
We also found an Instagram post by The Hindu, dated December 16, 2024, featuring multiple photos of Priyanka Gandhi with the ‘Palestine’ tote bag. “In a show of support for the people of Palestine, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday carried a bag to Parliament emblazoned with the word “Palestine”,” it further corroborated.
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A YouTube video by ANI also featured the Wayanad MP with a Palestine tote bag in the Parliament premises.
Priyanka Gandhi Carries Bag Expressing Solidarity With Bangladeshi Minorities
Day after Priyanka Gandhi grabbed attention for carrying a pro-Palestine bag, she and her Congress MPs were seen with handbags calling to “Stand With Bangladeshi Hindus and Christians” in the Parliament premises.
Gandhi also shared photographs of herself and Congress leaders protesting in support of the Bangladeshi minorities at the Parliament on December 17, 2024.
Also Read: AI Generated Photo Of Arvind Kejriwal With Elon Musk Shared Ahead Of Delhi Polls
Hence, the purported image of Priyanka Gandhi with a bag saying “I don’t care about Bangladeshi Hindus” was found to be digitally altered.
Result: Altered Photo
Sources
Report By India Today, Dated December 16, 2024
Instagram Post By The Hindu, Dated December 16, 2024
YouTube Video By ANI, Dated December 16, 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.
