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A photograph circulating on social media showing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar meeting with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has been identified as misleading by fact-checkers. The image, being shared with claims suggesting a recent meeting between the two political leaders ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, actually dates back to April 2023.
Vishvas News conducted an investigation after Facebook user ‘Bajrang Tripathi’ shared the image on October 14 with a caption suggesting Kumar had met Yadav and might be considering switching political alliances. The post quickly gained traction amid heightened political activity following the announcement of Bihar’s election schedule.
The fact-checking team employed reverse image search techniques using Google Lens, which revealed the photograph first appeared in news reports published in April 2023. Several reputable news outlets, including DNA Hindi and ABP Live, published the image on April 11-12, 2023, alongside reports of a meeting between the two leaders in Delhi.
News agency ANI also shared the same photograph on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on April 11, 2023, further confirming the image’s actual timeline. According to contemporaneous news reports, the meeting was part of efforts to strengthen opposition unity ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, not related to the 2025 Bihar assembly elections as currently claimed.
To verify their findings, Vishvas News consulted with Raman Shukla, a special correspondent for Dainik Jagran in Patna who is covering the upcoming elections. Shukla confirmed the photograph was several years old and not representative of any recent meeting between the two political leaders.
The misleading use of the image comes at a politically sensitive time as Bihar prepares for its two-phase assembly elections scheduled for November 6 and 11, with vote counting set for November 14. The 243-seat legislative assembly is up for grabs, and political parties have already begun announcing their candidates.
This incident highlights the increasing challenge of misinformation during election periods in India. Fact-checkers have noted a surge in false and misleading content circulating on various social media platforms since the Bihar election dates were announced. Vishvas News has committed to conducting ongoing fact-checks on viral claims related to the Bihar elections.
The Facebook user who shared the misleading post has approximately 4,000 followers and identifies as a resident of Bihar, potentially amplifying the reach of the misinformation within politically engaged communities.
This case serves as a reminder for voters to verify information, particularly images purporting to show political developments, through reliable news sources before drawing conclusions about political alliances or strategies in the lead-up to the elections.
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12 Comments
This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in political discourse. Voters deserve accurate, factual information to make informed decisions, not misleading propaganda.
Absolutely. Fact-checking initiatives play a vital role in upholding the integrity of the democratic process. Kudos to the team for their diligent work on this case.
Interesting to see this old photo of the two political heavyweights from Bihar. I wonder what the context of their meeting was back in April. Curious to learn more about the political dynamics in the state ahead of the upcoming elections.
Yes, it’s important to verify the context and timing of such photos, especially during election season when misinformation can spread quickly. Fact-checking is crucial to avoid being misled.
This is a good reminder to always be cautious about images and claims circulating on social media, especially around elections. Fact-checking efforts are important to separate truth from fiction.
Absolutely. It’s easy for old photos to be misrepresented and used to create false narratives. Kudos to the fact-checkers for investigating this and setting the record straight.
The Bihar elections are sure to be hotly contested. This misleading photo is a prime example of how political opponents might try to sway public opinion through selective use of information. Maintaining objectivity is crucial.
Well said. Responsible journalism and fact-checking are essential to ensure voters have access to accurate, unbiased information to make informed decisions.
While political maneuvering is common, the use of misleading images to sway public opinion is concerning. Robust fact-checking and media literacy efforts are crucial to combat the spread of misinformation.
Well said. In the digital age, it’s more important than ever for citizens to be critical consumers of information and to verify claims before sharing them widely.
It’s concerning to see how quickly misinformation can spread, especially around sensitive political issues. Fact-checking and media literacy are important tools to combat the spread of false narratives.
I agree. In the digital age, it’s critical that people develop the skills to identify credible sources and verify claims before sharing information online.