A video purporting to show BJP State President of Tamil Nadu K. Annamalai distributing money to voters during an election campaign has gone viral.
Verified accounts on twitter, including @chnmharish tweeted “Mr. Annamalai, have you no shame? You say that you have not given money for voting, and you hide money even to those who take aarti. Is this your alternative politics Annamalai? @annamalai_k @SpokespersonECI @ECISVEEP @TNelectionsCEO #Annamalai #BJP #LokSabhaElection2024” on March 29, 2024. The tweet has received an about 232k views on X.
What is the Actual Truth About this Incident? : Fact
This is an outdated video that was released in July 2023 and has nothing to do with the election campaign. In the Ramanathapuram District, on July 29, 2023, during the En Mann En Makkal Yatra, this video was shot. The money was offered as a token of affection for performing aarti. It is not related to the distribution of funds during the election campaign. The people making fraudulent accusations are being targeted for action. The video was uploaded in Youtube on July 30, 2023.
@CollectorCbe tweeted “Based on the enquiry of the police department it is determined that this video pertains to July 2023 and hence not falling in the purview of election code. Complaint received to act against false claim is forwarded to police department for further action.” on March 29, 2024.
Based on the enquiry of the police department it is determined that this video pertains to July 2023 and hence not falling in the purview of election code. Complaint received to act against false claim is forwarded to police department for further action. https://t.co/gBycqLmyNB
— District Collector, Coimbatore (@CollectorCbe) March 29, 2024
@annamalai_k tweeted “With all the resources at the disposal of the @CollectorCbe, instead of checking on the authenticity of a video, he decides to respond to something that was shot on 29.07.2023 during our En Mann En Makkal Yatra in the Ramanathapuram District. It’s in our culture to reward those who take an Arathi as a symbol of affection, and we do not practice this during elections. We have already said that we will not repose our faith in cash for votes like the rest; we only wish @CollectorCbe be vigilant when the actual exchange of cash happens by parties who are today spreading lies.” on March 29, 2024.
With all the resources at the disposal of the @CollectorCbe, instead of checking on the authenticity of a video, he decides to respond to something that was shot on 29.07.2023 during our En Mann En Makkal Yatra in the Ramanathapuram District.
— K.Annamalai (மோடியின் குடும்பம்) (@annamalai_k) March 29, 2024
It's in our culture to reward those… https://t.co/cjWMU2IcV9
Further, again @annamalai_k tweeted “Despite all the evidence to verify the authenticity of a video, instead, @CollectorCbe is now trying to take action for a video taken during our #EnMannEnMakkal yatra on 29.07.2023 in Ramanathapuram district. As a sign of love and respect, it is in our Tamil Nadu culture to reward those who perform aarti. We do not observe this only during election time. Like others, we have already made it clear that we do not believe in cash-based votes. We ask parties who spread such lies today to take action when they are actually paying for votes, @CollectorCbe they should be vigilant.” on Mar ch 29, 2024.
ஒரு காணொளியின் நம்பகத்தன்மையைச் சரிபார்க்கும் அத்தனை ஆதாரங்கள் இருந்தும், அதற்குப் பதிலாக, @CollectorCbe அவர்கள், ராமநாதபுரம் மாவட்டத்தில் கடந்த 29.07.2023 அன்று, எங்கள் #EnMannEnMakkal யாத்திரையின் போது எடுக்கப்பட்ட ஒரு காணொளிக்கு, தற்போது நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க முயற்சிக்கிறார்.… https://t.co/cjWMU2IKKH
— K.Annamalai (மோடியின் குடும்பம்) (@annamalai_k) March 29, 2024
Check out the Youtube Video:
D-Intent’s Fact-Checking Results:
1791
— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) March 29, 2024
ANALYSIS:Misleading
FACT:A video of BJP State President Tamil Nadu K.Annamalai is being circulated claiming that he is distributing money to the voters during election campaign.Fact is that this is an old video from July 2023 & has nothing to do with election campaign.(1/3) pic.twitter.com/u6v5UhvyKP
Intent:
Political influencers are circulating old videos of K. Annamalai to set their political narrative to influence the upcoming general elections. A video of BJP State President Tamil Nadu K.Annamalai is being circulated claiming that he is distributing money to the voters during election campaign. As a matter of fact, this is an outdated video from July 2023 and has nothing to do with the election campaign. This footage was captured in the Ramanathapuram District on July 29, 2023, during the En Mann En Makkal Yatra. As a token of appreciation for doing aarti, the money was offered. Nothing to do with money distribution during an election. People who are spreading incorrect information are being targeted for action.
Conclusion:
Claim : It is being claimed in a circulating video that BJP State President of Tamil Nadu, K. Annamalai, is giving money to voters during an election campaign.
Fact : Fact is that this is an old video from July 2023 & has nothing to do with election campaign. This video was taken on 29.07.2023 during En Mann En Makkal Yatra in the Ramanathapuram District. The money was given as a symbol of affection for doing aarti. Nothing to do with money distribution in the election campaign. Action is being taken against the individuals circulating false claims.
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