23 May
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer concerning a viral image on social media featuring their Bathinda candidate, Harsimrat Kaur Badal. The image, circulating on Facebook, shows Badal being honored with a picture of Dera Sacha Sauda Sirsa chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
In their complaint, the SAD has stated that the photo is fake and has been digitally manipulated to create a false narrative. The party asserts that the image is part of a deliberate attempt to malign Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s reputation during the election period.
The SAD has called for a thorough investigation into the matter and has demanded that a criminal case be registered against the individual responsible for uploading the doctored image. The party stressed the importance of addressing this issue promptly to prevent further misinformation and to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
This incident underscores the growing concern over the spread of fake news and misinformation on social media platforms, especially during election seasons. The SAD’s call for a detailed inquiry highlights the need for vigilance and stricter regulations to combat the dissemination of false information that can influence public opinion and disrupt democratic processes.