Did Diljit Dosanjh praise the UP govt for Mahakumbh arrangements? Clipped video viral with misleading claims

by Shinjinee Majumder

A video of Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh is viral on social media. In this, he is seen praising the Uttar Pradesh government for the stellar arrangements at the Mahakumbh mela, which is underway in Prayagraj.

“…I want to especially thank the UP authorities. The arrangements- were amazing… I want to thank the administration for its support. The best arrangement was in UP- thank you to the UP government…” Dosanjh can be heard saying in the viral video. The words “Chief Minister Yogi’s security arrangements won Diljit’s heart” have been superimposed on the clip in Hindi.

On social media, users who identify with the Right wing, amplified and shared this video claiming that the renowned singer and actor praised the UP government, which has come under fire after a stampede at the Mahakumbh killed at least 30 people and left many injured.

The video was shared by verified X users @MrSinha_ and @erbmjha. The latter even sarcastically remarked, “Har Roz Ek Naya Zakhm for Arfa bibi & 786 others” (Translation: A new wound every day for Arfa Bibi & 786 others), in a bid to communalise the issue. (Archives 1, 2)

The video was shared widely across X and Facebook. (Archives 1, 2, 3)

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Fact Check

Alt News found that the viral video featuring Diljit Dosanjh has been clipped from a Live session the singer hosted on Instagram on February 9. While answering a question during the session, Dosanjh took a moment to thank authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Ludhiana for efficiently managing his shows during his recent India tour.
In the viral video, however, the part where he mentions Ludhiana has been removed, making it seem like he only praised the UP administration.

Below is the unedited clip from Dosanjh’s Live session on Instagram where he can be heard thanking both the UP and Ludhiana administration.

Here’s what Dosanjh is saying in Punjabi: “I want to give special thanks to the UP administration. The arrangements were amazing for everyone—in UP and in Ludhiana, these two cities. I was a bit nervous about UP, wondering how it would be in Lucknow, but I want to thank the administration; they provided great support. I mean, the best arrangements were in UP—thank you to the UP government and the Ludhiana administration—best arrangement.”

Quote-tweeting the Joint Commissioner of Police, Lucknow’s post about his show in the city, Dosanjh echoed the same sentiments, saying, “…The best arrangements were in UP… I’ve become a fan… A very respectful host.”

Thus Dosanjh’s actual video, which has no connection to the Mahakumbh, was selectively edited, clipped and shared with a false claim that the actor was lauding arrangements at the Hindu gathering.
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About the Author

Student of Economics at Presidency University. Interested in misinformation.