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 Rahul Gandhi watching PM Modi taking oath as the Indian Prime Minister for the third time.
Such posts can be seen here and here.
Also Read: Multiple Candidates Lost By Same Margin? ECI Data Contradicts Viral Claim
Fact
On carefully analysing the viral video, we noticed that the footage of PM Modi displayed on the screen in front of Rahul Gandhi was from the 2019 swearing in ceremony.
A Google lens search on the viral footage of Rahul Gandhi led us to a YouTube video by ‘REPUBLIC DUNlYA,’ dated May 6, 2024. It carried the same video, however, the screen in front of the Congress leader was turned off.
Furthermore, the original video was also shared on the official Instagram account of Rahul Gandhi on April 17, 2024, with the caption, “Thinking of India, searching for India! (translated from Hindi)” The same was uploaded to his Facebook account too.
We also noticed a watermark of “@amarprasadreddy” on the viral footage. Taking a clue, we scanned through the X account of Amar Prasad Reddy (@amarprasadreddy), identifying as a BJP functionary, and found that the video was shared at 1:39 PM on June 9. “Today Evening Scenes,” its caption stated.
We found multiple posts mocking the opposition in Reddy’s X feed.
Hence, the viral footage showing Rahul Gandhi watching PM Modi taking oath is digitally edited. It is likely being shared as a satire to mock the Congress leader over the electoral results of the Lok Sabha Polls.
Result: Satire
Sources
YouTube Video By REPUBLIC DUNlYA, Dated May 6, 2024
Instagram Post By Rahul Gandhi, Dated April 17, 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.
