In a recent incident, false claims regarding Gautam Adani’s alleged foray into the railway sector have sparked controversy and misinformation. The news, fueled by certain media outlets and politicians, has created a misleading narrative suggesting that Adani’s entry will result in competition for the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). This blog aims to dissect the incident, highlight the misleading tweets, delve into the fact-checking conducted by D-Intent, and ultimately shed light on the true intent behind this deceptive campaign.
Describing the Incident:
The incident began when Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared a tweet claiming that Gautam Adani would step into the railway sector and sell train tickets, insinuating that IRCTC would face competition and potential takeover. The tweet, which caused a stir on social media, read: “News is being circulated with the claims that Gautam Adani steps into the railway sector, will sell train tickets, & IRCTC will get competition. Quoting the news, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, ‘First competition & then takeover.'” [1]
Misleading Tweets:
Jairam Ramesh’s tweet was accompanied by a link [1] redirecting to the tweet itself. It quickly gained traction, amplifying the misleading claims. In addition to Ramesh’s tweet, another tweet by Dainik Bhaskar [2] added fuel to the fire. The tweet alleged Adani’s entry into the railway sector and garnered attention. These tweets, shared widely on social media, contributed to the dissemination of false information.
Fact-Checking by D-Intent:
In response to the misleading claims, the official Twitter account of IRCTC issued a clarification statement [3]. The tweet stated, “This is a misleading statement. Trainman is one of the 32 authorized B2C (Business to Customer) partners of IRCTC. All integration and operations will continue to be done through IRCTC. It will only complement IRCTC and is not a threat or challenge to IRCTC.” [3] The fact-checking conducted by D-Intent, an independent fact-checking organization, found the claims circulating on social media to be false and unsubstantiated.
Exploring the Intent:
The intent behind this incident becomes apparent when considering the various elements at play. Media outlets and politicians are seemingly using false claims to target IRCTC and sow seeds of doubt regarding Adani’s involvement in the railway sector. By circulating misleading information, they aim to undermine the credibility and position of IRCTC, potentially for personal or political gains.
Also read- Fact-Checking the Odisha Train Accident: Unveiling Misinformation and Communal Disharmony
Conclusion:
It is crucial to exercise caution and critical thinking when encountering news and information on social media platforms. This incident serves as a reminder that misleading claims can spread rapidly, potentially influencing public opinion and causing unnecessary panic. Fact-checking organizations like D-Intent play a vital role in combating misinformation and ensuring accurate information reaches the public. By staying vigilant and verifying information from credible sources, we can safeguard ourselves against falling prey to deceptive narratives.
References:
Jairam Ramesh’s tweet: Link
Archived: Link
Dainik Bhaskar’s tweet: Link
Archived: Link
IRCTC’s clarification tweet: Link
Archived: Link
