NDTV Fact Check Reveals Fake Ration Quote Falsely Attributed to Amit Shah During Bihar Election Summit

The social media graphic containing the false statement attributed to Home Minister Amit Shah.

New Delhi:

NDTV has confirmed that a quote attributed to Home Minister Amit Shah claiming that "any party worker on social media, regardless of their political affiliation, are surviving on the five kilogram of ration provided by us (the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party)" is entirely fabricated.

A digitally manipulated social media graphic featuring Shah's image along with this fabricated quote has been circulating online. The misleading image contains NDTV India branding and references to the NDTV Bihar Powerplay Conclave, but the network emphasizes this content is fraudulent.

The falsified graphic has gained significant traction on social media platforms, shared by prominent figures including Congress national media panellist Surendra Rajput and another social media user with the handle @masijeevi.

NDTV categorically states that Home Minister Shah made no such comment during the summit.

During his actual appearance at the event, Shah addressed various topics, including the BJP-Janata Dal United coalition's prospects in the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly election and questions about independent electoral campaigns.

"We secured 325 seats in Uttar Pradesh during the 2017 Assembly election. Despite this overwhelming majority, we didn't contest alone in the state's 2022 election. Our party follows a principle - regardless of how politically strong the BJP becomes, during elections, we prioritize collaboration with our allies to develop states... we believe in inclusive politics that brings everyone forward."

Shah also responded to opposition inquiries regarding leadership within the ruling alliance, reaffirming that the coalition will contest under JDU leader Nitish Kumar's leadership.

He expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance aims to secure 160 seats in the upcoming election.

The opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance has nominated RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as their chief ministerial candidate, with VIP leader Mukesh Sahani designated as deputy.

The Bihar Assembly consists of 243 seats, with 122 required for a majority.

In the previous 2020 election, the BJP won 74 seats, one less than the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal's 75. The JDU secured 43 seats, while the Congress, an RJD ally then and now, claimed 19. The CPIML-Liberation, aligned with the RJD and Congress, obtained 12 seats.

The 2025 Bihar election will be conducted in two phases - the first on Thursday and the second on November 11. Results will be announced on November 14.