Tue Jan 14 15:48:42 UTC 2025: ## Meta Faces Indian Ire Over Zuckerberg’s Election Claim

**NEW DELHI** – Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is facing intense backlash in India after claiming on the Joe Rogan podcast that the incumbent government lost elections in several countries, including India, due to their COVID-19 response. This statement has sparked outrage among government officials and the public, leading to accusations of misinformation.

BJP MP Nidhikant Dubey, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Communications and Information Technology, announced that Meta will be summoned to answer questions regarding Zuckerberg’s comments. Dubey, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), demanded an apology from Meta to the Indian Parliament and people for spreading “false information,” stating that such misinformation “tarnishes the image of the country.”

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed the criticism, calling Zuckerberg’s remarks “factually incorrect.” Vaishnaw highlighted India’s achievements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during the pandemic, including large-scale vaccination and food distribution programs, attributing Modi’s re-election to “good governance and public trust.” He directly challenged Zuckerberg’s statement on multiple platforms, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and credibility.

The Parliamentary Committee will investigate Meta’s role in allegedly disseminating misinformation and is expected to demand an explanation and apology. This incident raises concerns about the influence of tech giants on public opinion and the need for responsible communication from corporate leaders. The inquiry could set a precedent for holding tech companies accountable for their statements. The controversy underscores the increasing importance of protecting national interests in the digital age.

*(Note: The unrelated information about Urban Company and Kent RO Systems has been omitted from this news article as it is not directly relevant to the main story.)*

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