Congress calls for prosecution of union minister over fake news on alleged pro-Pakistan slogans

Bengaluru: Dinesh Gundu Rao, a state minister and Congress leader, has called for the prosecution of Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, accusing him of spreading fake news through a social media post.

Chandrasekhar claimed that Congress supporters had chanted pro-Pakistan slogans in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly during the Rajya Sabha polls.

Rao asserted that if found guilty, strict action should be taken against the Union IT Minister for disseminating misinformation.

Chandrasekhar shared a video on social media depicting an individual shouting "Pakistan zindabad," alleging it was Congress supporters during the Rajya Sabha polls. However, another video shared by Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala presented a different narrative, with people heard shouting in support of Congress MP Syed Nasir Hussain. The slogans "Nasir Hussain Zindabad," "Nasir Sahab Zindabad," and "Congress Party Zindabad" were audible in the latter video.

The BJP MLAs filed a complaint claiming pro-Pakistan slogans were raised in celebration after Hussain's victory, though Congress leaders await a Forensic Science Laboratory report for verification. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pledged "strict action" if the forensic report confirmed the alleged slogans.

Rao emphasised that if pro-Pakistan slogans were indeed shouted, the government would not spare the perpetrators. He urged clarity on whether the slogans were "Nasir Saab zindabad" or "Pakistan zindabad."

In response to Chandrasekhar's claims, Rao criticised the Union Minister, calling his statements "disgraceful." Rao emphasised the need for accurate information, particularly from a government official, and criticised Chandrasekhar for stooping to "desperate, abject lows."

Chandrasekhar's post came following the Congress's success in winning three out of four Rajya Sabha seats in Karnataka. Surjewala accused the BJP of frustration and demoralisation after their defeat, dismissing the pro-Pakistan slogan allegations as false.

The BJP organised a protest outside the Karnataka Assembly, with Leader of the Opposition R Ashok leading the demonstration. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi accused the Congress of directly "supporting" Pakistan, condemning the alleged incident in a video message.