The Congress party has come under scrutiny after allegations surfaced that it used images from Thailand and New York in its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. The revelation has sparked controversy and raised questions about the authenticity and credibility of the party’s campaign material.
Bharatiya Janata Party National Spokesperson, Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi, launched a scathing attack on the Congress party for spreading misinformation. He stated, “”There is a picture on water management in Congress manifesto. This picture is of the Buffalo River in New York state. Till now they have not been able to find out who was tweeting from their social media chairperson’s Twitter, but who sent them this picture? Under the Environment section, a picture from Rahul Gandhi’s favoured destination, Thailand has been put. Who is putting all this in their manifesto?”
#WATCH | On Congress' manifesto for Lok Sabha elections, BJP National Spokesperson Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "There is a picture on water management in Congress manifesto. This picture is of the Buffalo River in New York state. Till now they have not been able to find out who… pic.twitter.com/7eRWLZi8YF
— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2024
The pictures in question were reportedly included in the manifesto to illustrate various development projects and initiatives proposed by the Congress party. However, upon closer examination, it was discovered that the images were not related to any projects in India but were instead sourced from foreign locations, such as Thailand and New York.
To show India's River dirty, Congress in its Manifesto used pic of New York's Buffalo River. pic.twitter.com/923WUTaFUn
— Frontalforce 🇮🇳 (@FrontalForce) April 5, 2024
The photos, intended to illustrate the pollution of India’s rivers, were reportedly misrepresented, drawing widespread criticism and ridicule.
Congress using pictures from Thailand and New York in their manifesto. pic.twitter.com/POB4tVF7kP
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) April 5, 2024
The oversight has raised doubts about the party’s attention to detail and understanding of key issues facing the country’s environment. Critics have seized upon the blunder to question the party’s competence and readiness to govern, suggesting that such mistakes undermine its credibility.
“Congress using pictures from Thailand in their manifesto”: BJP Spokesperson @SudhanshuTrived #CongressManifesto @INCIndia pic.twitter.com/Oa4u8k174n
— Nishant Azad/निशांत आज़ाद🇮🇳 (@azad_nishant) April 5, 2024
The use of incorrect images has overshadowed the party’s policy proposals and promises, diverting attention from its intended message. Social media platforms have been flooded with memes and comments mocking the error, further amplifying the backlash against Congress.
Congress uses images from Thailand in its manifesto. Thailand, Naughty 😀 pic.twitter.com/f6qzSR6m4K
— Frontalforce 🇮🇳 (@FrontalForce) April 5, 2024
Critics have accused Congress of misleading voters by presenting foreign images as examples of their proposed policies and development plans. They argue that such practices undermine the transparency and integrity of the electoral process.
The incident has prompted calls for an explanation from Congress leaders, with demands for accountability and transparency in their campaign efforts. Opposition parties have seized on the opportunity to criticise Congress, alleging that the use of foreign images reflects a lack of vision and understanding of the ground realities in India.
