In the latest twist of misinformation, another wave of fake news has begun circulating on social media, falsely implicating the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the recent Kallakurichi hooch tragedy. This follows hours after another baseless report involving the highest constitutional authority of the state was spread.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its Information Technology wing, in collaboration with leftist and fundamentalist factions, are accused of working overtime to defame Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the RSS, and their leaders. Employing every trick in the book, the DMK allegedly seeks to mislead and deceive the public.
A false narrative has been circulated claiming that the RSS is behind the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which claimed 58 lives and left hundreds hospitalized. The timing of this misinformation campaign is suspicious, given the upcoming Vikravandi by-election. Any adverse exposure of DMK members’ involvement in the tragedy could jeopardize the party’s chances of winning. In light of this, the DMK has been denying permission to discuss the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, attempting to evade scrutiny and criticism from opponents.
BJP National President and Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called upon top Congress leaders to join in protesting against what he termed a ‘State-sponsored murder’. Tamil Nadu BJP, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and the AIADMK are demanding a CBI probe into the tragedy. Allies of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, such as the VCK and CPI, have held protests demanding the enforcement of total prohibition and the closure of TASMAC shops in Tamil Nadu following the incident.
In an effort to divert attention from the hooch tragedy, false narratives against opponents are being spread on social media and through media channels controlled by the DMK. Dravidian stocks shared screenshots of an alleged circular that falsely incriminates the RSS. A post on the social media platform X claimed, “With regard to the Kallakurichi incident, a confidential circular of the RSS saw mention of it. 411/RO 36311/RSS COJ 1993. Faecal contamination of drinking water has also been noted. #RSS has started its work in Tamil Nadu. Can you deny this circular?? @annamalai_k @VanathiBJP @amarprasadreddy @HRajaBJP. Tamil people @mkstalin It depends on them. @DMKITwing Such awareness should be taken among people. @TRBRajaa.”
கள்ளகுறிச்சி விவகாரம் RSS இன் ரகசிய சுற்றறிக்கை 411/RO 36311/RSS COJ 1993 ஆம் வருடத்தில் குறிப்பிட பட்டுள்ளது.
மற்றும் குடி நீரில் மலம் கலர்ப்பதும் குறிப்பிட பட்டுள்ளது.
தமிழ் நாட்டில் #RSS தனது வேலைகளை ஆரம்பிது விட்டது.
இந்த சுற்ரறிக்கையை மறுக்க முடியுமா?? @annamalai_k… pic.twitter.com/r6jlOqC2L7
— Dr. Benet (#VOTEFORDMK) (@Dr_BenetAntony) June 23, 2024
A post on social media platform X included a supposed circular alleging the RSS’s involvement in poisoning food and liquor consumed by oppressed Scheduled Tribes. The post read, “Malnutrition must continue in oppressed Scheduled Tribes. As mentioned above, the poison must be mixed with the liquor and toddy they consume. Even their food must continue to be contaminated with poison.”
@RSSorg @Murugan_MoS @AshwiniVaishnaw d stocks way of creating false narrative & fake news, but are allowed long rope. Won’t be surprised several people will start to believe this a fact unless proper action is taken up. @BJP4India is not ready for managing false propaganda https://t.co/fF5thWyN1H
— SS Iyengar 🇮🇳 (@Isriramseshadri) June 24, 2024
Sriram Seshadri highlighted the issue on his X platform, stating, “D stocks way of creating false narrative & fake news, but are allowed long rope. Won’t be surprised several people will start to believe this a fact unless proper action is taken up. @BJP4India is not ready for managing false propaganda” .
The RSS quickly denied the contents of the alleged circular, stating that such documents were never issued by the organization and accusing the Dravidian stocks of spreading fake news.
Critics argue that the DMK government, facing a strong anti-establishment wave, is resorting to desperate measures. They claim the DMK’s inefficient handling of issues and its controversial stances, such as opposition to NEET, have not garnered much support. Additionally, the DMK’s anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatana Dharma rhetoric have isolated it from potential allies in national politics. With the Kallakurichi issue unresolved, the DMK appears to be targeting the BJP, RSS, and their leaders to shift the narrative.
