Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the state was using “e-Ravanas” on social media to spread “propaganda and hatred” ahead of the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls and said that he had alerted his party cadre against social media content used by the BJP to paint its political rivals in bad light.
"Like the demon king Ravana, the BJP is using ‘e-Ravanas’ on social media to spread its propaganda and hatred. Like Ravana, they are there on social media in disguise and spread lies and rumours. Pseudo BJP leaders pose as SP supporters and post and forward ‘indecent remarks’ on virtual platforms. I have asked my party cadre to remain alert and keep an eye on the activities of such dubious elements. Party workers have also been asked not to share, respond to or forward anything objectionable on social media and report it to the party office,” Akhilesh said.
Underlining the perils of fake news on social media, the SP chief said, “The Samajwadi Party last week filed a complaint against unidentified people for allegedly creating my fake Twitter account and spreading hatred.”
The complaint was filed by state SP state chief Naresh Uttam, who submitted screenshots of a tweet claiming the party would construct a ‘Babri mosque’ at the place of Ram temple in Ayodhya after coming to power in the state. An FIR was registered in this regard against unidentified people at Gautam Palli Police Station of Lucknow on July 25.
"As the assembly polls are near, the BJP men can do anything as they are experts in spreading lies to fool the people to grab power. Their objective is to divert the attention of the people from core issues, including development. I have asked party workers to be disciplined, decent and practice restraint in language they use on social media, which has emerged as a strong medium to communicate. It is ironic that the BJP cannot highlight any achievement of its government despite ruling the state for four-and-a-half-years," he said.
Stating that the people of the state had hopes from the Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh said that his party would win 350 seats in the upcoming assembly elections in 2022.
“When the BJP can win over 300 seats by lying, why can we not win more seats on the development work done by our previous government. Democracy is in danger. In order to save democracy from BJP's deceit, the SP is raising the voice of the people,” he added.