TN Food Minister has not reacted to Pongal package criticism

Users claim that Tamil Nadu Food Minister R. Sakkarapani has reacted to the criticism on Pongal packages that were issued to rice cardholders, family cardholders, and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.

"People are not thankful. The Pongal gift was first and foremost created but not thanked by the people," reads the post which carries a picture of the Minister.

Another post is also circulating with a picture of the Minister. "The Pongal gift package given in rations is sacred. The government should not be criticized for providing it for free. Don't buy those who don't like it," it reads

FACT CHECK:

NewsMeter searched online for news reports that could support the viral statements but found none.

The fact check team noticed that the font used in the viral News 7 Tamil post is not the same as the one used in the official posts published by the channel. Moreover, it is unlikely that the media organization would have published the post without carrying the minister's name.

NewsMeter checked the Facebook page of News 7 Tamil but did not find the viral post on the page. However, a similar post was published by the channel on January 11, 2022. The post reads, "Pongal gift complaint - explanation. Complaints about the Pongal gift package are from the AIADMK; we have given more Pongal gifts than the AIADMK has given - Minister Sakkarapani"

Clearly, the viral post was edited to pass false claims.

News 7 Tamil clarified that the viral post is fake and that the channel did not share this news.

R. Sakkarapani also clarified that the viral statements are lies.