Fact-checked: Rajdeep Sardesai's viral Karnataka bus interview video revealed as edited
Guwahati: A video featuring journalist Rajdeep Sardesai conducting interviews with locals in Karnataka aboard a bus has sparked widespread attention on social media platforms.
In the footage, the senior journalist is seen inquiring about their political preferences amid the backdrop of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Initially, a majority of respondents express their support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
An archive can be seen here.
Archives of similar claims can be seen here and here.
However, it has come to light that this video has been edited and presents a skewed portrayal of the ground reality.
The truth behind the video reveals a more balanced perspective. Upon conducting a thorough investigation, fact-checking website The Quint discovered that the original interview, shared by India Today, featured respondents expressing support for both the Congress and the BJP.
The longer version of the video, released on April 16, 2024, showcased numerous individuals voicing their endorsement for the Congress party, which was omitted from the viral clip.
In the unedited footage, the first woman interviewed by Sardesai expresses her satisfaction with the provision of free bus rides, while the subsequent respondent highlights the benefits provided by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's administration, including cash benefits and reduced electricity bills. As the interview progresses, additional individuals voice their support for Siddaramaiah and the Congress party.
However, the viral video selectively begins at the 2:00 timestamp, omitting the preceding endorsements for Siddaramaiah and exclusively showcasing respondents expressing support for PM Modi.
In response to the circulating claims, Sardesai has taken to social media to clarify that the clipped video distorts the true nature of their report and serves a particular political agenda.
He emphasizes the importance of presenting all perspectives fairly and questions the ethics behind the selective editing of the footage.
In conclusion, it is evident that the viral video featuring Rajdeep Sardesai's report from Karnataka has been edited to promote a misleading political narrative, underscoring the significance of verifying sources and scrutinizing content before drawing conclusions.
This story is republished from The Quint as part of the Shakti Collective. Read the original story here.