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
Rahul Gandhi insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during a recent event.
Fact
A video from ‘Maharashtra Swabhiman Sabha’ shared out of context. Mumbai Congress Chief, and a journalist present at the location have dismissed the claim.
Days leading up to the Maharashtra elections are witnessing intensive political campaigns by the prominent leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi and the incumbent Mahayuti. The state assembly goes to polls on November 20 in a single phase and the results will be declared on November 23.
The opposition recently held a ‘Maharashtra Swabhiman Sabha’ in Mumbai. Soon after, a video allegedly showing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi “disrespecting” an idol of Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj went viral on social media platforms.
Multiple X users shared the video alleging that Gandhi insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and asserting that the “Hindus of Maharashtra will teach him a lesson.” The video is also being widely shared on Facebook and Instagram.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Fact Check/Verification
A relevant keyword search in Marathi did not yield any credible report suggesting that Rahul Gandhi “disrespected” Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the recent Maharashtra Swabhiman Sabha.
We then carefully analysed the viral footage to understand the sequence of events. In the beginning of the clip, Gandhi and Kharge are seen on stage, as Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad enters the frame and takes a few steps towards the party chief. She is then seen taking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue from a man, and giving it to Kharge.
While Kharge and Gaikwad hold the idol, likely posing for a photograph, Gandhi is seen turning back and handing over a statue of BR Ambedkar and shawl.
Following this, we skimmed through the live streaming of the ‘Maharashtra Swabhiman Sabha’ which was held on November 6 in Mumbai.
Also Read: Did Sanjay Raut Say That Uddhav Thackeray Will Pay Higher Remittances To Muslim Women?
Around nine minutes into the video, Gaikwad is first seen honouring Kharge with a shawl, and then felicitating Gandhi. The LoP is also given a statue of BR Ambedkar in accordance with an announcement. “Mumbai Congress felicitated Jannayak Rahul Gandhi with Babasaheb Ambedkar statue,” a man is overhead speaking. As Gandhi holds Ambedkar’s statue, Gaikwad hands over an idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Kharge.
The event was live streamed on the social media handles of the Congress, and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
Newschecker then reached out to Gaikwad who dismissed the claim. “Rahul Gandhi was felicitated with a statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Mallikarjun Kharge was given an idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The opposition has started spreading false claims for no reason. Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray were also facilitated. It was announced on the mic that Rahul Gandhi is to be facilitated with Babasaheb’s idol,” she said.
Gaikwad further clarified that neither she was looking at Gandhi while giving the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue to Kharge, nor he was asked to come forward.
Independent journalist Jitendra Patil, who was present at the event, also refuted the claim about Gandhi disrespecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the felicitation at the Maharashtra Swabhiman Sabha, saying that “no such thing happened”.
Conclusion
Hence, the viral video does not show Congress leader Rahul Gandhi insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Result: Missing Context
Sources
YouTube Video By @IndianNationalCongress, Dated November 6, 2024
Conversation With Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad On November 7, 2024
Conversation With Journalist Jitendra Patil On November 7, 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.
