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Fact Check: Video Falsely Circulated as TMC Leader Threatening BJP Voters Ahead of West Bengal Elections
As West Bengal prepares for its upcoming Assembly Elections scheduled on April 23 and 29, a controversial video has been making rounds on social media platforms. The clip, which shows a woman angrily threatening to “set fire” if people vote for a candidate named Mousumi, has been widely shared with claims that she is a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader intimidating BJP supporters.
In the viral footage, the woman can be heard shouting in Bengali, “Don’t put BJP flags. No one will vote for Mousumi. I will set fire if even one vote goes to Mousumi. If even one vote goes there, no one will be worse than me. If anyone gives one vote to Moushumi, he will not be able to live in his own house. I will beat them up.”
Several social media users have amplified the clip with captions claiming it demonstrates TMC’s intimidation tactics ahead of the critical state elections. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “A TMC woman leader has warned the residents of a locality that if even a single vote goes to the BJP or if anyone puts up the BJP flag, she will destroy everything.”
However, a fact check by NewsMeter has revealed that these claims are entirely false. The viral video is not recent, nor does it show a TMC leader.
The investigation traced the footage back to February 2022, nearly four years before the current election cycle. Through reverse image searches of key frames, NewsMeter identified the woman as Baby Koley, who was actually a BJP leader at the time of the recording.
According to a report published by News18 Bangla on February 9, 2022, Koley had publicly lashed out at her own party after being denied a ticket for the Kharagpur municipal body elections. She had allegedly been asked to pay Rs 5 lakh to secure a ticket, but the nomination was ultimately given to another BJP candidate named Mousumi Das for Ward No. 10 in Kharagpur.
The incident represented internal party discord rather than inter-party intimidation. In her outburst, captured in the video, Koley was expressing her anger toward her own party’s decision to favor another candidate after she claimed to have been asked for money.
The West Bengal Police have also intervened to clarify the matter, posting on X: “This video relates to an incident of 27 February 2022. It is being falsely circulated as a recent incident. Legal action will be taken against those who are circulating this misleading video.”
The circulation of this misleading content comes at a particularly sensitive time, as West Bengal has historically seen politically charged atmospheres during election periods. The state has been governed by the TMC under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee since 2011, with the BJP emerging as the primary opposition party in recent years.
Political analysts note that the deliberate misrepresentation of old videos to inflame tensions is becoming increasingly common on social media platforms during election seasons across India. Such misinformation can potentially influence voter sentiment and exacerbate existing political rivalries.
This incident highlights the importance of verification and fact-checking in an era where digital content can be easily decontextualized and repurposed to serve political narratives. As the West Bengal elections approach, authorities and media organizations continue to monitor and flag misleading content to ensure voters can make informed decisions based on accurate information.
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7 Comments
This video seems like a concerning example of political intimidation. While it’s important to investigate claims thoroughly, any threats of violence against voters are unacceptable in a democracy. I hope the authorities look into this matter and ensure a free and fair electoral process.
The threat of violence against voters is a serious matter that deserves thorough investigation. While the video’s origin and context need to be verified, any attempts to sway the electorate through fear and coercion are unacceptable. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this issue and take appropriate action.
Hmm, this video raises some troubling questions. If it’s authentic, then the TMC leader’s threats of arson and violence against BJP supporters are highly problematic. However, we should be cautious about jumping to conclusions without verifying the facts. Proper investigation is crucial to uphold democratic principles.
It’s good that the authorities are fact-checking this video to determine its authenticity and context. Voter intimidation has no place in a healthy democracy, regardless of political affiliation. I hope the truth comes to light so that appropriate action can be taken to protect the integrity of the upcoming elections.
This is a concerning development, and I appreciate the efforts to fact-check the claims. Voter intimidation is a serious threat to democracy, and it’s crucial that the authorities investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action if the video is authentic. The integrity of the electoral process must be protected.
This video, if authentic, is a concerning display of political intimidation that undermines the democratic process. I appreciate the effort to fact-check the claims and provide context. Ensuring free and fair elections should be a top priority for all stakeholders, regardless of party lines.
If the claims about this video are accurate, then the TMC leader’s behavior is highly problematic and should be condemned. Voters must be free to exercise their democratic rights without fear of retribution. I hope the authorities can ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process in West Bengal.