In the wake of social media posts and news that may damage the ‘reputation’ of the government, the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued strict instructions to authorities to tackle the escalating problem of ‘fake’ news on social media platforms.
In a meeting held with Home Minister G Parameshwar, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to trace the source of fake news, identify the individuals responsible, and take legal action. This directive comes in preparation for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s office highlighted the rise of fake news since the Congress came to power in 2013, with opponents continuing to employ this strategy. As the Lok Sabha elections draw nearer, there is a heightened attempt to spread misinformation and create unrest in society.
In light of these developments, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stressed the importance of promptly identifying the sources of fake news and taking necessary measures to combat them.
“In previous instances, political opponents attempted to incite social unrest by spreading false news about child thieves, beef transporters, and other fabricated narratives. The people of the state have unequivocally rejected the BJP and the Sangh Parivar in the recent assembly elections,” Siddaramaiah stated.
He further expressed concerns about potential mob attacks and riots instigated through the dissemination of fake news and rumors in the run-up to the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections. To counter this, he instructed officials to take necessary actions to prevent such incidents.
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