Recently, a video circulated widely on social media purportedly showing Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami distributing money during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In the video, people are seen standing together, and some claim Dhami handed out money during election campaigning. Another clip shows envelopes containing Rs 500 notes with a caption alleging, "CM Pushkar Dhami caught distributing money openly, exposing Modi's claim of winning 400+ seats."
India TV investigates
Given the video's widespread circulation and the serious allegations, India TV conducted a thorough fact-check. Using Google's open search with related keywords, the investigation led to the original video posted on the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) X (formerly Twitter) handle on February 13, 2022. The post claimed, "What’s happening in Khatima? Pushkar Dhami openly distributed money after the election campaign. AAP candidate SS Kaler caught Dhami red-handed, who then tried to stop the camera."
Screenshot of the viral video.
Fact check findings
India TV’s fact-check revealed that the viral video is not related to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The video was originally shared by AAP in 2022 and has no connection to the current elections. The claim that the video is from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is false.
Screenshot of the AAP's post.
India TV advises the public to be cautious of such misleading posts. The viral video being linked to the 2024 elections is entirely untrue.
Also read | Fact Check: No, video of boat on flooded road not from outside Lucknow railway station | Viral clip edited
