The combo image was shared more than 35,000 times on Facebook, Twitter criticising Modi govt’s ‘anti-farmer’ policies.
Hyderabad: A combo image of dead bulls and a torn slipper is being shared widely on social media to criticise what is labelled as the anti-farmer policies of the Narendra Modi government.
Apart from Bollywood actor Ajaz Khan’s Twitter handle, the post was shared more than 35,000 times on social media platforms highlighting the issue of farm distress. With these images, an impression was being created that while the BJP-led central government is busy promoting ‘Digital India’ campaign, farmers are committing suicide across India.
https://twitter.com/AjazkhanActor/status/1021654099903885313
However, the images used are fake. The bulls and the farmer were struck by lightning and died in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district on 22 June. The farmer, Kalu, worked in Laxminagar village.
The torn slipper has no connection with the farmer shown in the picture. The origin of the photo can be traced back to 2013, in Portugal.
The same post has been shared multiple times with the same caption.
Days before Kalu died, farmers in Madhya Pradesh took part in a national protest against the government and went on a 10-day strike to demand loan waiver and negotiate for the right price for crops.
According to the Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh, the agitation — called ‘Gaon Bandh’ (village blockade) — took place in 22 states.
The fake post tries to create a contrast between farmers’ strife and Digital India, an initiative launched by the Modi government in 2015 that aims to digitally empower all Indian citizens. The primary goal is to ensure that government services are available to citizens electronically through efficient internet connectivity, and connect rural areas with high-speed internet networks. The programme is linked to other key government schemes like Make in India, Startup India and BharatNet.
The ambitious programme is projected to cost about Rs 1.13 lakh crore. The initiative also has a Project Development Fund to invest additional resources and provide assistance to states to digitally empower its people.
This article is written in collaboration with SM Hoaxslayer.