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 of Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi relishing non-vegetarian food at a restaurant during the Hindu month of Sawan.
Archived version of the tweet can be seen here.
We also received the video on our WhatsApp tipline (+91-9999499044) requesting to be fact checked.
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Fact
We analysed the viral footage frame-by-frame, and spotted “Al Jawahar” written on one of the boards behind Gandhi.
Taking a clue, we looked up keywords “Rahul Gandhi,” and “Al Jawahar” on Google which led us to an Instagram post by @al_jawahar_restaurant_official, Dated April 18, 2023.
It carried the first half of the viral footage, showing Gandhi and his accomplice entering the restaurant, with the caption “Rahul Gandhi ji at Al Jawahar Restaurant Jama Masjid for dinner. Thanks for coming.”
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Further, we found a video report by Times Of India, dated April 19, 2023, carrying snippets from the viral video. It stated, “Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently made a visit to the iconic Chandni Chowk market in Delhi and indulged in some of the city’s popular street food delicacies. The leader, who is often seen as reserved and serious, showed his foodie side as he savored chaat and gol gappe from one of the vendors in the market.”
Notably, Rahul Gandhi along with food journalist and YouTuber Kunal Vijayakar explored the multiple food joints in Delhi, including Al Jawahar, in April this year. The “exclusive interview” was uploaded on Vijayakar’s YouTube channel on April 23, 2023.
On comparing the footage from Al Jawahar restaurant in the YouTube video with the viral clip, we could conclude that both were from Gandhi’s visit to the eatery in April.
Hence, the viral footage does not show Rahul Gandhi relishing non-vegetarian food during the sacred Hindu-month of Sawan, which started in July only. The viral clip dates back to April, 2023.
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Result: False
Sources
Instagram Post By @al_jawahar_restaurant_official, Dated April 18, 2023
YouTube Video By Times Of India, Dated April 19, 2023
YouTube Video By Khaane Mein Kya Hai, Dated April 23, 2023
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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.
