Lighthouse Journalism came across a picture being widely shared on social media platforms, where users are sharing a picture where the shopkeeper has covered PM Modi’s image with a paper. The picture is claimed to be from Kerala’s Kozhikode. During the investigation we found that the picture is old and was taken when the model code of conduct was in place.
Claim:
X user Abhishek Gupta shared the image on his profile.
Check the archive version of the post here.
Other users too are sharing the picture with claims suggesting it to be recently clicked.
Investigation:
We started the investigation by running a reverse image search on the image.
We found the image posted as a post on reddit.com four months ago.
A comment suggested that this was done as a part of EC regulation.
During investigation we found a post on X by Palakkad Division.
The post said: It is an old photo, which was covered as per model code of conduct during election 2024. The image of the present OSOP stall on PF-4 at Calicut station is attached herewith. Thanks for your concern
A recent image of the stall was attached in the post.
We also found a Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates on the website of Election Commission of India.
Conclusion: Viral image of a picture of PM Modi covered at a shop on a railway platform in Kerala is old and was clicked while the model code of conduct was in place. Viral claims are misleading.
