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.
Claim
A “fully drunk” DK Shivakumar on a door-to-door campaign ahead of the Karnataka Assembly Elections.
Fact
The video is over 1-year-old, and reportedly from Congress’ Mekedatu Padayatra in Karnataka.
Ahead of the Karnataka Assembly Elections, a video of Congress leader DK Shivakumar, appearing disoriented, walking unsteadily and even losing his balance is going viral on social media platforms. Those who shared the video alleged that it shows the Karnataka Congress Chief in an inebriated state during a “door to door campaign” for the state polls. Newschecker found the video to be over 1-year-old, and unrelated to the upcoming elections in the state.
Several Facebook users shared the video claiming, “Congress Karnataka CM candidate..D.K Shivakumar fully drunk on door to door campaign. He will be Karnataka’s prestigious CM if Congress gets a majority. Hope Karnataka will choose a sober CM and not another drunkard like the Punjab CM..!!”
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Viral Ad Suggesting ‘Modi Hatao’ For Saving Money Has Been Digitally Edited
Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the clip, we noticed the YouTube channel name and social media handles of NewsFirst Kannada mentioned at the bottom of the viral video of DK Shivakumar.
Taking a clue, we looked up “DK Shivakumar” on the YouTube channel of NewsFirst Kannada. This yielded a longer version of the viral video that was uploaded on the channel of January 9, 2022, with the title “DK Shivakumar : DK Shivakumar who was tired | Mekedatu Padayatre”
The video was also shared on the Facebook page of @news1kannada on January 9, 2022.
The Congress had undertaken a Padyatra, in January 2022, demanding implementation of the Mekedatu project across the Cauvery river in Karnataka. The march was launched on January 9, but was temporarily suspended on January 13 due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in the state. The Padyatra then resumed over a month later at the end of February, and concluded on March 3, 2022.
Also Read: Karnataka Elections- ‘NDTV Graphic’ Predicting Huge Win For Congress Found To Be Fake
Hence, the viral video is over 1-year-old and does not show the Karnataka Congress Chief campaigning door to door for the upcoming assembly elections.
Newschecker could, however, not independently verify whether the video shows DK Shivakumar was in an inebriated state or simply tired from the march.
Conclusion
Viral video of a seemingly disoriented DK Shivakumar walking unsteadily is over 1-year-old and unrelated to the Karnataka Assembly Elections due on May 10.
Result: Missing Context
Sources
YouTube Video By NewsFirst Kannada, Dated January 9, 2022
Facebook Post By @news1kannada , Dated January 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.
