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
Devendra Fadnavis’ fierce attack on Asaduddin Owaisi shows the new ‘aggressive NDA’.
Fact
Video from 2022 shared out of context.
A purported video of the Maharashtra Deputy CM and BJP leader, Devendra Fadnavis delivering a fierce verbal attack on AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has gone viral online. Multiple social media users claimed that it shows the “new aggressive NDA” ahead of the state assembly elections due in November.
In the one-minute-forty-six-second-long-video, Fadnavis is allegedly heard saying, “…listen Owaisi, not even a dog will urinate on Aurangzeb’s identity. Now saffron will be unfurled over Hindustan…”
Several X, Facebook and Instagram users shared the video claiming, “…2024 setback was good in a way! We are seeing a new aggressive NDA which we were missing,” insinuating that the footage is recent. Newschecker, however, found the video to be old.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here, here and here.
Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the viral footage, we noticed the name branding identifying Fadnavis as “विरोधी पक्षनेते” (leader of the opposition), and that the date stamp stated “16 May 2022.”
We then looked up keywords “Devendra Fadnavis,” “Aurangzeb” and “Owaisi” on YouTube which yielded a report by ABP Majha, dated May 15, 2022. It featured a longer version of the same video showing Fadnavis’ verbal attack on Owaisi.
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The same footage was also shared on the official YouTube channel of Devendra Fadnavis on May 17, 2022. “Hindi Bhashi Mahasankalp Sabha, Mumbai on May 15, 2022,” its description stated.
A report by ANI, dated May 16, 2022, also elaborated on the BJP leader’s attack on the AIMIM Chief. “In a verbal attack on All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, he said, “Asaduddin Owaisi goes and pays tribute to Aurangzeb on his grave and you keep seeing that, you should feel ashamed of it. Listen to me Owaisi, even a dog will not pee on the identity of Aurangzeb. Saffron will rule in Hindustan,” the report stated.
Conclusion
We could thus conclude that an old video showing Devendra Fadnavis launching an attack on AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has been shared out of context ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Polls.
Result: Missing Context
Sources
YouTube Video By ABP Majha, Dated May 15, 2022
YouTube Video By Devendra Fadnavis, Dated May 17, 2022
Report By ANI, Dated May 16, 2022
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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.
