FACT CHECK BY NEWSCHECKER:
Claim
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was observed watching Narendra Modi taking the oath as the Indian Prime Minister for the third time.
This post is going viral
Such posts can be seen here and here.
Fact
Upon closer examination of the viral video, it became apparent that the footage of PM Modi shown on the screen in front of Rahul Gandhi was from the 2019 swearing-in ceremony.
A Google Lens search of the viral footage featuring Rahul Gandhi led to a YouTube video by 'REPUBLIC DUNlYA,' posted on May 6, 2024. In this video, the same footage was observed, but the screen in front of the Congress leader appeared to be turned off.
Screengrab from YouTube video by Republic Duniya
Furthermore, the original video was also shared on Rahul Gandhi's official Instagram account on April 17, 2024, with the caption, "Thinking of India, searching for India!" (translated from Hindi). The same video was uploaded to his Facebook account as well.
Screengrab from Instagram post by Rahul Gandhi
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.
(L-R) Screengrab from viral video, and screengrab from X post by Amar Prasad Reddy
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 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
(Disclaimer: This story was originally published by NEWSCHECKER, and republished by India TV as part of the Shakti Collective.)
