As West Bengal is running for office, there is much speculation about Sourav Ganguly’s possible involvement in politics. All eyes are now on the BJP meeting on March 7 in the Brigade Parade Ground of Kolkata, where according to some media reports the former Indian cricket captain may share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Below, supporters of various political parties claim on social media that Ganguly endorsed them. A photo of the BCCI president, with a kurta and hands folded, circulates with the text ‘Swagatam Dada’. However, the color of Ganguly’s kurta changes according to the colors associated with CPI (M), Trinamool Congress and BJP, and so does the party symbol in the photos.
The caption in Bengali with one such picture translated into: “The game is of course on” The archived version can be seen here.
India Today Anti Fake News War Room (AFWA) found that the original picture had nothing to do with any political party. Until the submission of this story, there was still no confirmation of Ganguly’s political leap.
AFWA investigation
With the help of reverse image search, we found the original image on “Pinterest”. The caption says that Ganguly here endorsed the prominent incense brand “Cycle Rhythm Agarbathies”.
We then get some other photos of the same endorsement Ganguly’s official website and a Cycle Rhythm commercial video on YouTube.
We also have in the picture on the company’s facebook page.
The same image of Ganguly wearing a saffron curta was used by supporters of the BJP after the party symbol was added to it. Trinamool and Left supporters photoshopped the kurta color and also their party symbols.
Does Dada join politics?
All three major candidates in Bengal – BJP, Trinamool and Left – have announced their candidates for the first two phases, and Ganguly’s name does not appear in any of them. Political analysts have ruled out the possibility that the former cricketer could join the Left.
There has been more and more grumbling about Ganguly joining the BJP. Some media reports have also hinted that he may share the stage with PM Modi during the BJP’s March 7 Brigade Parade Ground rally in Kolkata. However, Ganguly’s political moves have been wrapped up in tension.
“We know that Sourav is resting at home. If he considers attending the meeting, the health and weather conditions will allow it, he will be most welcome. If he is present, we think he will like it. The crowd will love it too. But we do not know. It is up to him to decide, ” Hindustan Times said Shamik Bhattacharya, spokesperson for the BJP.
But it is clear that photos of Ganguly endorsing different political parties that are spread on social media are changing.
ClaimTrinamool, BJP and CPI (M) supporters use a photo of Sourav Ganguly with various party symbols and claim he endorses it. The color of Ganguly’s kurta is also changed according to the different party colors. ClosureIn the original picture, Ganguly, dressed in a saffron curta, actually endorsed an incense stick mark. So far, there has been no official confirmation of Ganguly’s political entry.
JHOOTH BOLE KAUVA KAATE
The number of crows determines the intensity of the lie.
- 1 Crow: Half true
- 2 crows: mostly lies
- 3 crows: absolutely false
