Fact Check by Logically Facts
The verdict [Misleading]
The resurfaced video, falsely portrayed as a recent incident, lacked relevance to the ongoing Indian general election. Therefore, the claim is deemed misleading, emphasising the need for contextual understanding when sharing such content on social media platforms.
Claim made
Amidst the ongoing Indian general election, a video clip depicting actor and former politician Chiranjeevi has gone viral on social media, suggesting that he recently attempted to bypass a queue at a polling booth. However, further investigation reveals that the incident occurred during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, rendering the claim misleading.
A screenshot of the video falsely portrayed as a recent incident.
Viral clip implication
The 2-minute 20-second video portrayed an incident where Chiranjeevi, accompanied by his family, allegedly attempted to skip the queue at a polling station. A vocal voter questioned his actions, leading to a brief exchange captured in the footage. Despite his attempts to explain, Chiranjeevi eventually returned to join the queue, a move applauded by other voters present. The clip resurfaced during the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha election, misleadingly shared as a recent occurrence.
Historical context
The video's origin dates back to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, evident from its publication on the official channel of V6 News in May 2014. Chiranjeevi's subsequent clarification, asserting his adherence to protocol and respect for democracy, was included in the extended version of the video. Previous reports from 2014, including an NDTV segment, validate the incident, highlighting Chiranjeevi's attempt to bypass the queue as a voter, not as a Union Minister.
Chiranjeevi's political background
Chiranjeevi, a former Union Minister of State for Tourism and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, withdrew from active politics following his tenure. Despite his political affiliations, the incident in question occurred during his time as a Union Minister, not as an actor-politician.
Current appearance during 2024 Lok Sabha election
Contrary to the viral narrative, Chiranjeevi's recent appearance during the 2024 Lok Sabha election depicted him and his family casting their votes at a polling booth in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. A video capturing this event showcases Chiranjeevi's presence, dressed differently from the attire seen in the misleading clips.
Result: Misleading
Reference links:
V6 News Telugu
Applause as NRI stops Chiranjeevi from jumping voters' queue - NDTV
Chiranjeevi forced to join queue to cast his vote - The Hindu
MIRROR NOW
Parliament Digital Library
(Disclaimer: This story was originally published by Logically Facts, and republished by India TV as part of the Shakti Collective.)
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