Time and again, social media users prove that a small fact check can go a long way in proving their point. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know that for nearly a month, hundreds of farmers have converged in and around Delhi. They are protesting against three recently passed farm Acts that they want repealed.
Despite multiple rounds of talks with the government, they have been unable to reach a consensus. The government for its part has taken with gusto to factchecking various claims, reiterating the intended benefits of the farm laws. They contend that the farmers are being misled.
On Tuesday, a Facebook post by the verified BJP Punjab handle caused quite a stir. The post, spoke about MSP procurement and asserted that PM Modi was with the farmers. Unfortunately, the picture used in the infographic was that of a farmer who is currently a vocal member of the group agitating at the Delhi border.
Now, we’d like to say that this in a bizarre gaffe, but nearly a day later, the post continues to remain on their Facebook page. The post has also prompted a flurry of angry comments online, including a tweet from the man in the photograph. A verified Twitter handle called @harpfarmer on Tuesday morning called out the BJP for the move, sharing the original picture as well as the edited version.
“Someone tell them this person is sitting at Singhu,” he wrote.
Besharmi Di Vi Koi Hadd Hundi Ae
Par Lagdaa Inaa Kol JIO De Unlimted Internet Waang Ina Kol Besharmi Di Hadd Vi Unlimted ae. Inaa Nu Dasso Innaa Daa Bhaapa Singhu Baithaa. Yadde Modi With Farmers De. #ShameOnBJP #ModiAgainstFarmers#supportfarmers #IndiaSupportFarmerProtest pic.twitter.com/JRwVTonoer— Harp Farmer (@harpfarmer) December 22, 2020
Harp Farmer incidentally is an actor, director, producer and photographer based out of Punjab. He has acted in several Punjabi movies and also has his own music record label under the name Harp Farmer Pictures. In 2016, he had started the Stop Defaming Punjab campaign.
