Viral clip of Andhra Pradesh minister criticizing CM Jagan Mohan Reddy is edited

By: Rohith Gutta
March 14 2024

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Screenshot of the social media post alleging that an Andhra Pradesh minister criticized the Chief Minister. (Source: X/Edited by Logically Facts)

What is the claim?

In the lead-up to Assembly elections slated for later this year, Andhra Pradesh, a southern Indian state, is witnessing intensified political campaigns. The incumbent YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), headed by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, is contending with a coalition composed of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena Party (JSP), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Amid this political buzz, a 27-second video featuring Ambati Rambabu, Andhra Pradesh's Minister of Water Resources and a prominent YSRCP figure, has sparked controversy. The clip circulating online suggests Rambabu is denouncing Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, labeling him a "cheat" who "went back on every promise he made and duped people." Archives of such posts can be accessed here and here. 

Screenshot of the social media post (Source: Facebook/Modified by Logically Facts)

However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the video is edited. Rambabu was not referring to Reddy in his speech. 

What did we find out?

The video contains pauses, during which the audience attending the meeting is shown—suggesting that the video has been edited.

Using Google search, we determined that the video features Rambabu speaking at a 'Siddham' (Ready) meeting—part of a series of campaign meetings organized by the ruling party across the state in anticipation of the elections. This particular meeting took place in Medarametla, Bapatla district, on March 10, 2024, with Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy in attendance. The Telugu news channel Sakshi TV broadcasted the meeting live, and the channel's logo is partially visible in the viral video.

The segment from the 49:30 to 50:25 timestamp of the Sakshi TV video has been circulated as the viral clip. However, in the original footage, Rambabu is heard stating, "Today, there's only one issue in the state that requires a decision. Do you wish for Jagan Mohan Reddy to continue as the Chief Minister, or do you prefer Chandrababu Naidu, who, after serving as the Chief Minister for 14 years, deceived everyone? Jagan Mohan Reddy is the hero who has kept all his promises. In contrast, Chandrababu Naidu, who reneged on his commitments, deceived the people of Andhra Pradesh for 14 years. The choice between electing the hero or the cheater now rests with the people of Andhra Pradesh."

Sections from the original video have been stitched together, creating the misleading impression that the minister is labeling Jagan Mohan Reddy as a "cheat" who deceived the people of Andhra Pradesh. However, the unedited video clearly shows that his critique was directed at the former chief minister and opposition leader of the TDP, Chandrababu Naidu.

The verdict

A video featuring an Andhra Pradesh minister has been selectively edited to falsely suggest that he is criticizing YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the chief minister of the state. Therefore, we have marked this claim as false.