Minister Nara Lokesh Denounces False Information on Social Media

In a fiery response to a wave of misinformation spreading online, Andhra Pradesh IT and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh on Sunday condemned what he described as “malicious and fabricated propaganda” being circulated on social media platforms.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Lokesh accused certain political elements of deliberately distorting facts for political gain. He alleged that a 2023 video from a Gurukul school in a neighboring state was being falsely portrayed as a recent incident in Araku, sparking unnecessary outrage and confusion among the public.

“The so-called ‘Blue Batch,’ which thrives on false narratives, has become a danger to society,” Lokesh stated. “Despite the state government’s Fact Check wing providing detailed clarification earlier, these groups have once again resorted to spreading the same fake video with a new twist. This is not just political mischief, it is habitual criminal behavior.”

Expressing strong disapproval, Lokesh questioned whether such forces were part of a political party or a gang of habitual offenders. He warned that persistent misinformation campaigns could erode public trust and damage social harmony.

This incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape, where social media has become a battleground for competing political narratives. The state government established a Fact Check wing specifically to combat such false information, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities view this issue.

Araku, a picturesque valley region in Andhra Pradesh known for its coffee plantations and tribal culture, has previously been sensitive to social tensions. False narratives about incidents in such areas can potentially trigger unrest, particularly given the region’s unique demographic makeup.

The minister’s reference to the “Blue Batch” appears to be aimed at opposition elements, though he did not explicitly name any political party. Political analysts note that Andhra Pradesh has witnessed increasingly polarized political rhetoric since the 2023 state elections, with the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and opposition parties frequently trading accusations.

“Those indulging in fake propaganda must face strict action. I have urged the police to take necessary steps against these offenders,” the minister declared, indicating potential legal consequences for those spreading misinformation.

Social media misinformation has become a significant concern across India, with electoral politics often amplifying divisive content. In recent years, state governments have strengthened digital forensic capabilities to identify and counter fake news, especially when it threatens communal harmony or public order.

The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of platform governance on social media sites. Despite X and other platforms implementing policies against misinformation, politically motivated content continues to circulate widely before fact-checkers can intervene.

Experts suggest that the virality of such content is often driven by coordinated networks of accounts that amplify messages across multiple platforms simultaneously, making containment difficult once false narratives gain traction.

Lokesh, who also oversees the technology portfolio for the state, has previously advocated for more responsible use of social media and has promoted digital literacy initiatives across Andhra Pradesh.

The minister emphasized that citizens should not believe such fabricated posts and should instead rely on verified information released by official sources. The state government has urged residents to report suspicious content to their Fact Check wing rather than sharing unverified information that could potentially harm social cohesion.

As this incident unfolds, it underscores the complex interplay between technology, politics, and information integrity in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.