FACT CHECK: Did Amit Shah say India will become Hindu nation by 2025?
A screengrab of the `National India News' bulletin is viral on social media.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 19 Oct 2021 1:41 PM GMT
HYDERABAD: A screengrab of the `National India News' bulletin is viral on social media.
"India will become a Hindu Nation by 2025," reads the translation of the message.
It also carries a picture of Home Minister Amit Shah inferring that he made the statement.
"Congratulations to all the people associated with Sanatan Dharma. Your elder brother has said it. Now start preparations. Hindu Rashtra will be formed before 2025," reads the translation of the post.
FACT CHECK:
The claim is false.
NewsMeter searched online for relevant news reports but found none. If Shah had made such a statement, it would have been covered by major media outlets.
In 2019, Shah was interviewed by Aaj Tak. When he was asked, "Does BJP view India as a Hindu nation?" Shah replied, "Not at all. We believe in the constitution and we accept it. In this country, everyone can follow any religion. They have full liberty."
India Today also reported about the interview. When Amit Shah was asked about Sarvarkar's belief in the idea of a Hindu Rashtra he said, "BJP follows the Indian Constitution in letter and spirit. The country and government can have only one religion - the Constitution."
Moreover, the screengrab of National India News is a thumbnail of a broadcast that seeks public opinion regarding citizenship law and turning India into a Hindu nation.
In the thumbnail, a question mark is visible. However, the question mark was cropped in the viral post making it seem like it's a quote of Shah.
Clearly, the claim is false.
