“Fake News Allegation Erupts as Shahzad Poonawalla Slams Congress Over Caste Census Remarks”

In a blistering attack that has reignited the political debate, BJP leader Shahzad Poonawalla accused the Congress party of being a “peddler of liars” and a “factory of fake news” over its statements regarding the caste census. His remarks came as a direct response to Congress’s recent assertions surrounding caste-based data, which the party claimed had been mishandled or misrepresented by the current government.

This controversy adds yet another chapter to the intensifying political drama ahead of the upcoming elections. Poonawalla’s use of strong and unequivocal language signals the growing frustration within BJP ranks over what they see as Congress’s deliberate attempt to manipulate public opinion through misinformation and fake news.

Shahzad Poonawalla Accuses Congress of Misinformation

Addressing the media, Poonawalla did not mince words. He alleged that Congress is deliberately distorting facts related to the caste census to stoke social divisions and mislead the electorate. Calling it a strategy rooted in the party’s “desperation,” he labeled Congress a “factory of fake news” that thrives on creating confusion and mistrust.

“The Congress party is a habitual offender when it comes to spreading fake news. Whether it’s demonetization, surgical strikes, or now the caste census — they’ve consistently tried to mislead the nation,” said Poonawalla.

Congress’s Position on the Caste Census

The Congress party, in recent statements, criticized the BJP-led government for allegedly stalling or suppressing caste-based data collection and accused it of not being transparent about socio-economic figures that could benefit marginalized communities. This has led to a nationwide debate, with caste-based identity politics once again taking center stage.

However, BJP leaders, including Poonawalla, argue that Congress is exploiting caste sentiments for vote-bank politics and is resorting to fake news to gain traction.

Political Experts Weigh In

Political analysts believe that both parties are using the caste census as a tool to polarize opinions and consolidate their respective vote banks. The accusation of spreading fake news is not new in Indian politics, but its usage has become increasingly frequent and pointed in recent months.

“Calling Congress a factory of fake news resonates strongly with the BJP’s narrative of nationalism and truth. It helps them portray themselves as protectors of facts while branding the opposition as misleading,” said political commentator Arvind Joshi.

Impact on Voters and Public Sentiment

The ongoing war of words between the BJP and Congress is likely to have a significant impact on public perception, especially in rural and semi-urban constituencies where caste dynamics play a crucial role. Allegations of fake news and misinformation can influence voters who rely on digital media and television for political updates.

There’s also a growing concern that such statements, while politically charged, might distract from core governance issues like employment, inflation, and rural development.

BJP Defends Census Approach

The BJP has repeatedly defended its approach to the caste census, stating that it is focused on inclusive development without dividing society along caste lines. Poonawalla reiterated this stance, saying, “Our government is committed to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We don’t need to spread fake news to divide people; our work speaks for itself.”

A Battle of Narratives

As the 2025 elections draw closer, both parties appear to be crafting powerful narratives. While Congress pushes the social justice angle through demands for a transparent caste census, BJP is countering by projecting the opposition as purveyors of fake news and political gimmickry.

The repeated use of the term fake news is more than just rhetoric—it is becoming a core strategy to delegitimize opposition claims and maintain voter trust.

Conclusion

Shahzad Poonawalla’s sharp critique of Congress has once again brought the term fake news into the spotlight of Indian politics. Whether voters buy into this narrative or question the underlying issues remains to be seen. But what is certain is that the battle lines have been drawn, and the road to 2025 will be filled with fiery exchanges, contested data, and relentless political theatre.

As the debate over the caste census continues, one thing is clear — fake news is now a powerful tool in the arsenal of political communication, and both sides are prepared to use it to their advantage.