May 16th 2024.
According to some social media posts, a graphic from The News Minute is making rounds predicting a sweeping victory for the NDA in the Andhra Pradesh assembly elections. The graphic displays data from various exit polls, including India Today-Axis, CNN News18-IPSOS, Times Now-VMR, Republic-Jan Ki Baat, Republic-CVoter, NewsX-NETA, and Today's Chanakya, all pointing to an NDA majority in the state. However, upon further investigation, it was found that the viral graphic has been digitally altered.
Several posts on Instagram and Facebook, such as those by @manaanantapurtdp, @kambalasdhkr7, and Rajuroyalmesala Rajuroyalmesala, have been sharing the manipulated image. However, a keyword search for "The News Minute," "Andhra Elections 2024," and "Exit Polls" did not yield any report by the outlet indicating the release of any such exit polls. Instead, a report from The News Minute dated May 19, 2019, was found, which featured a similar graphic but for the Andhra Lok Sabha Elections 2019.
Upon comparison, the viral graphic was found to be identical to the one featured in the 2019 report, with the only difference being in the second and third columns. Furthermore, an X post by The News Minute on May 15, 2024, clarified that the viral image was an old one from their 2019 report and that no exit polls can be released until the conclusion of the elections. This is in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits the release of any exit polls until the elections are completed.
It is important to note that the ongoing elections have a ban on the publication or publicising of exit polls until June 1. This rule was put in place by the EC in order to ensure a fair and unbiased election process. Therefore, it can be concluded that the viral image has been digitally manipulated to show a clean sweep for the NDA, but this is not an accurate representation of the actual exit polls. The original report from The News Minute, a post by X, and a report from Mint all confirm this fact. It is crucial to verify information before sharing it on social media to avoid spreading false or misleading information.
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