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In a recent investigation, Vishvas News has debunked a viral social media claim that attributed inflammatory remarks to former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi. The post, which circulated widely during the Bihar elections, falsely quoted her as saying “Muslims and Yadavs are our slaves.”
The fabricated statement appeared on Facebook on October 29, shared by a user named ‘Shahbaz Afridi Aimim.’ The post included a photo of Rabri Devi with text claiming she had said, “Muslims and Yadavs are our slaves. They will never go against the RJD.” The timing of this misinformation coincided with heightened political tensions during the Bihar election campaign.
Investigators from Vishvas News conducted a comprehensive fact-check using multiple verification methods. Their Google Open Search investigation revealed no credible news outlets had reported such remarks from the former Chief Minister. Had Rabri Devi made such a controversial statement, it would have generated significant media coverage across mainstream outlets.
Instead, legitimate recent news about Rabri Devi focused on her campaign activities, including a NavbharatTimes.com report from November 3rd noting that she had blessed her son Tej Pratap Yadav, who is contesting from Mahua. In that genuine news story, she was quoted saying she had “expelled him from her home, not from her heart.”
Vishvas News strengthened their investigation by consulting authoritative sources. Arun Ashish, state bureau chief of Dainik Jagran in Bihar, confirmed that Rabri Devi never made any statement resembling the viral claim. Additionally, RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari categorically denied the claim, stating that Rabri Devi has never made derogatory remarks about Muslims or Yadavs.
The fact-check team also analyzed the Facebook account that originally shared the false information. The account has over 5,000 followers and frequently shares political content, suggesting a possible political motivation behind spreading the misinformation.
This incident highlights the increasing challenge of election-related misinformation in India’s political landscape. False quotes and fabricated statements attributed to political figures have become common tactics to influence voter sentiment, particularly during election periods when social media consumption increases.
The RJD, led by Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family including Rabri Devi, has traditionally enjoyed support from both Muslim and Yadav communities in Bihar. The fabricated statement appears designed to drive a wedge between the party and these key voter demographics by portraying party leadership as viewing these communities dismissively.
Election Commission officials have repeatedly warned about the dangers of such misinformation campaigns during voting periods. Social media platforms continue to struggle with effectively identifying and removing false political content before it reaches wide audiences.
Fact-checking organizations like Vishvas News play an increasingly crucial role in the electoral process by investigating viral claims and providing voters with verified information. Their work helps prevent the spread of divisive misinformation that could potentially influence voting patterns or incite tensions between communities.
The investigation ultimately concluded the viral post was entirely fabricated, confirming that Rabri Devi never made any statements referring to Muslims and Yadavs as slaves.
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8 Comments
It’s concerning how quickly false narratives can spread online, especially around sensitive political issues. I’m glad the investigators were able to conclusively debunk this claim through comprehensive fact-checking. Accurate information is crucial for citizens to make informed decisions.
Falsely quoting politicians to stir up controversy is a concerning trend. I’m glad the Vishvas News team took the time to carefully verify the facts and expose this as a complete fabrication. Upholding the truth is essential for a healthy democracy.
Misinformation often arises during heated political campaigns. I commend the diligent fact-checking that exposed this as a completely fabricated quote falsely attributed to Rabri Devi. Responsible reporting is essential for preserving the integrity of the democratic process.
Attributing false, inflammatory statements to politicians is a dangerous tactic. I’m relieved the investigators were able to trace this claim back to a single Facebook user and confirm it was completely fabricated. Maintaining integrity in the public discourse is critical.
It’s concerning how quickly false statements can spread online, even without credible evidence. I appreciate the investigators taking the time to thoroughly verify the facts and expose this as misinformation. Accurate information is vital for informed decision-making.
Spreading misinformation and false quotes is extremely damaging, especially during elections. I’m glad this claim about Rabri Devi was thoroughly debunked through fact-checking. Responsible reporting is crucial for maintaining trust in the political process.
This is a clear example of how social media can be weaponized to spread damaging misinformation, especially during election cycles. I appreciate the thorough investigation that confirmed the quote about Rabri Devi was completely fabricated. Maintaining the integrity of public discourse is vital.
This kind of fabricated controversy is all too common in the digital age. I’m glad the Vishvas News team was able to use open-source investigation methods to conclusively disprove the claim about Rabri Devi. Fact-checking is an important safeguard against the spread of lies.