Sat Nov 09 00:47:53 UTC 2024: ## Fact Check: Did Rahul Gandhi Insult Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
A video circulating on social media platforms claims to show Congress leader Rahul Gandhi disrespecting an idol of Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during a recent event in Mumbai. The video sparked outrage amongst users, with many accusing Gandhi of insulting the revered historical figure. However, Newschecker.in, an independent fact-checking initiative, has determined that **the video is misleading and taken out of context.**
The viral video shows Gandhi receiving a statue of BR Ambedkar while Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad presents a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress party chief. However, Newschecker’s investigation revealed that the event was live-streamed by the Congress party on social media platforms, and that Gandhi was indeed honored with the Ambedkar statue as part of the event. Gaikwad, who was present at the event, has confirmed this, stating that the video is being used to spread false claims. She also clarified that neither she nor Gandhi were looking at each other when the statue was presented to Kharge.
Further, independent journalist Jitendra Patil, who was present at the event, has also refuted the claim of disrespect, stating that “no such thing happened.”
Therefore, Newschecker.in has concluded that **the video is misleading and does not show Rahul Gandhi insulting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.** The video appears to be deliberately edited and shared out of context to create a negative perception of Gandhi and the Congress party.
First Piper 