#FakeNews: Rumors flood WhatsApp ahead of Gujarat vote count
On the eve of counting of votes for the Gujarat State Assembly elections, a number of 'fake news' messages were circulated on WhatsApp. One message said that internet would be banned while another stated that the BJP had booked the Ahmedabad's Sardar Patel Stadium for its swearing-in ceremony. The Election Commission has filed an FIR with the police seeking the internet ban rumor's origin.
Forged EC letter talks of internet ban, EVM hackings
The internet ban rumor was in the form of a letter featuring an official-looking seal and the forged signature of Deputy Election Commissioner KL Parmar. The supposed 'letter' claimed several electronic voting machines (EVM), connected to satellite towers of mobile companies, were hacked during the Gujarat elections. "The EC has therefore ordered these companies to stop beaming internet on December 18," it read.
Police say forged letter meant to create chaos
"We believe the forged letter was circulated to create chaos in social media and could create a law and order situation in the state," said police after the EC filed an FIR.
Forged letters target both BJP and Congress
One forged letter shows BJP state president Jitu Vaghani writing to national president Amit Shah, stating that the BJP would lose the Gujarat election. Another letter purportedly shows Gujarat Congress chief Bharat Solanki writing to Rahul Gandhi that the party would face a terrible defeat in the election. In the forged letter, Solanki had resigned from his post within the Congress.
