A few days ago, propagandists started circulating false claims about the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) that it had planned to raise and train groups of Dharma Yoddhas for countrywide Shaurya Jagran Yatras from 30 September to 15 October.
Who are the ‘Dharm Yoddhas’?
“Dharm Yoddhas” is a term that arises from two Sanskrit words: “dharma” (धर्म) meaning righteousness, and “yuddha” (युद्ध) meaning warfare. In the context of the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) countrywide ‘Shaurya Jagran Yatra’, “Dharm Yoddhas” refers to groups of religious warriors that the VHP planned to raise. These groups were intended to keep an eye on “anti-religious activities”, among other things. Moreover, the term means individuals who are prepared to fight for the principles of righteousness. Sadly, through the false claims about VHP, the term has been misunderstood by people.
The Source of False Claims About VHP
The news was initially uploaded on YouTube by the self-proclaimed news portal, The Wire, featuring journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani. Both the channel and Sherwani have been critics of the present BJP Govt., often resisting anything good for the country and targeting Hinduism.
VHP’s Response
The VHP has categorically denied such false claims. In addition, the VHP clarified through their official Twitter handle (@VHPDigital) that the news report was wholly incorrect. Sr. Advocate Alok Kumar, International Working President of VHP, stated that the VHP has no plans to enrol Dharm Yoddhas. The Shaurya Yatras are undertaken to awaken the Hindu Society, offering homage to the martyrs, and strengthening the Hindu values in life and family. In addition, VHP has always defended the pro-India cause and come forefront whenever the country faces hard times.
The news report in a section of the media that the VHP shall enrol Dharm Yoddhas during the upcoming Shaurya Yatras of the Bajrang Dal is wholly incorrect. The VHP has no plans to enrol Dharm Yoddhas.
— Vishva Hindu Parishad -VHP (@VHPDigital) September 12, 2023
The Shaurya Yatras are undertaken for awakening the Hindu Society, offering…
Conclusion
The claims about VHP and the Yatra were false and appear to be an attempt by journalists and propagandists to set a false narrative. Following thorough analysis and fact-checking, our team has studied the claim. Moreover, you can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread embedded below.
1091
— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) September 14, 2023
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: Propagandists Circulate news claiming VHP plans to raise and train groups of Dharma Yoddhas for countrywide Shaurya Jagran Yatras from 30 September to 15 October. VHP has clarified that the news report and denied any such initiative. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/inwjVOsIhO
Claim: VHP plans to raise and train groups of Dharma Yoddhas for countrywide Shaurya Jagran Yatras.
Fact: VHP has clarified that the news report is wholly incorrect and denied any such initiative.
