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
Video shows the Rajputs attacking BJP workers in Gujarat.
Fact
2022 video of a clash between BJP-BRS workers in Telangana.
A video showing baton wielding mob chasing and attacking men wearing saffron-coloured scarves in an open public space has surfaced online. X user @TheSengarSahab shared the 30-second-long-footage on May 1, 2024, claiming that it showed Rajputs attacking BJP workers in Gujarat. The post comes amid widespread protest by the Rajput community members against the BJP in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Newschecker found that the video dates back to 2022, and shows an incident from Telangana.
The post can be seen here.
Why Are The Rajputs Protesting?
The protests erupted over BJP leader Parshottam Rupala had praised the Dalit community at the expense of the “kings,” and “royals” during an election campaign rally. “… Even kings and royals bowed down to the British, started family bonds with them, broke bread with them, and even married their daughters to them. But our Rukhi Samaj (a Dalit community) neither changed their religion nor established such ties though they were persecuted the most,” Rupala was quoted as saying. His comments angered the Rajput community prompting widespread protests, demanding his removal as the Lok Sabha candidate from Rajkot.
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Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the video, we noticed that the hoardings were not in Gujarati, raising our suspicion. Further, we also spotted a “Jangaon” traffic police booth at the counters of 22 seconds in the video.
We skimmed through the comment section of the post, and spotted a user pointing out that the video is from Telangana.
Taking a clue, we looked up keywords “Telangana,” “Jangaon ” and “BJP workers thrashed” on YouTube, which led us to a report by OneIndia News, dated February 10, 2022. Carrying snippets from the video shared to show Rajput community members attacking BJP workers, the report elaborated on a clash between the saffron party workers, and TRS (now BRS) workers over anti-Modi protest in Telangana.
A report by The Hindu, dated February 9, 2022, stated “Tension prevailed for some time at Jangaon district headquarters on Wednesday with TRS and BJP leaders clashing with flag sticks and BJP cadre being chased by TRS activists.”
Adding, “It all started with TRS leaders and workers protesting over the comments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that division of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh did not take place properly. Carrying the effigy of Mr. Modi, the TRS cadre reached the Town Centre.Objecting to the proposed burning of effigy of Mr. Modi, the BJP activists reached there with party flags and protested resulting in the tension”
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We also found a report by Times Of India, dated February 10, 2022 featuring similar visuals of clashes between the BJP and TRS (now BRS) workers. It stated, “Denouncing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments on Telangana state formation in Rajya Sabha on Feb 8, the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) held protests across the state. Several ministers, MLAs, MPs and party leaders participated in the protests by organising bike rallies in various districts and burnt the effigies of BJP. BJP party workers allegedly clashed with K. Chandrashekar Rao’s TRS workers when the latter tried to burn the effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
A video report by TV9 Telugu, dated February 9, 2022, on the clashes between BJP and TRS (now BRS) workers in Jangaon also featured the viral footage.
Conclusion
We could thus conclude that an old video from Telangana has been falsely shared to show Rajput community members thrashing the BJP workers in Gujarat.
Result: False
Sources
YouTube Video By OneIndia News, Dated February 10, 2022
Report By The Hindu, Dated February 9, 2022
Report By Times Of India, Dated February 10, 2022
YouTube Video By TV9 Telugu, Dated February 9, 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.
