The elections are approaching in Karnataka and all the political parties are actively campaigning. A video is circulating on social media showing Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge clapping on stage while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi sit on chairs without asking him to sit.
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared the video with the caption, “Reminds me of the famous dialogue from Zanjeer… A vote for Congress means letting Sonia and Rahul Gandhi run Karnataka by proxy! Don’t let that happen, Karnataka. You are too self-respecting for that. Vote wisely on 10th.”
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Several other social media users also shared the video with the same claim.
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Fact Check:
To investigate the viral clip DFRAC team converted the video into different frames and found the original video on the verified Twitter handle of INC(Indian National Congress). The clip was taken from a 42-minute live stream on the Indian National Congress’ verified YouTube channel on May 6, 2023.
In the video, at 22:30 minutes, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is seen leaving the podium on completion of her speech, while all the people on stage stand up, clap, and wave goodbye. AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, who is standing next to Congress President Kharge, can also be seen sitting on a chair when Rahul and Sonia Gandhi are seated but stands up as soon as Kharge’s name is called, and Kharge also stands up. Sonia Gandhi looks towards Kharge as he stands up and he moves towards the podium. The whole stage, including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, stands up to honor Kharge.
Conclusion:
Therefore, it can be concluded that the claim made by social media users, including Amit Malviya, is false and misleading as the viral video clip is incomplete and out of context.
