The BJP on Monday accused the Congress and its allies in the Mahavikas Aghadi of attempting to mislead the public by peddling a “fake narrative” around an old, doctored video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Addressing a press conference here, Union minister Piyush Goyal condemned what he called a “deliberate misinformation” campaign by the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, alleging they are recycling false claims to influence voters.

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“Leaders of the Congress and ‘Maha Vinash Aghadi’ continue to push a fake narrative through their trolling ecosystem,” Goyal said.

“We just learned that an old video of Amit Shah regarding reservation, which was proven fake and morphed, is once again being circulated. An FIR was already lodged over this, yet they are trying to revive this old, false narrative. They are so dejected, seeing their defeat so clearly. I condemn these tactics,” Goyal asserted.

He further claimed that under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, the BJP has strengthened reservations and ensured that OBCs should get their right and honour.

“Under the leadership of Amit Shah and Narendra Modi, Mahayuti-NDA is the only unit that thinks about every section of society. It has strengthened reservations and ensured that OBCs should get their right and honour. I urge STs, Dalits and everyone else to not get lured in by these attempts of Maha Vinash Aghadi. I condemn Maha Vinash Aghadi for its attempt to spread its stale lies among people. People of Maharashtra will not be lured in. People of the state are completely with Mahayuti,” he said.

The minister also accused Uddhav Thackeray of disrespecting the legacy of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, accusing the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief of being silent on Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Hindutva ideologue in the past.

“Amit Shah had said (to Uddhav Thackeray) – make Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, and other leaders of Maha Vinash Aghadi praise Savarkar,” Goyal said.

“It is clear that with such a diversionary tactic, Maha Vinash Aghadi has no respect for the sacrifice of Savarkar. I think Uddhav Thackeray has also started thinking what Congress and Sharad Pawar think about Savarkar. Or maybe Uddhav Thackeray has no power in Maha Vinash Aghadi,” he added.

The minister also exuded confidence in the victory of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in forthcoming assembly elections, stating that people of Maharashtra don’t trust the false promises of Maha “Vinash” Aghadi.

“Mahayuti government is what the people want. Mahayuti is going to win Maharashtra with a thumping majority. People do not trust the false promises of Maha Vinash Aghadi. Public has understood that a party that can insult even its founder Balasaheb Thackeray – who had said that he would shut down his party but not join hands with Congress, a man that can reject the Hindutva sentiments for its ambitions, for the desire of CM post, for establishing his son. The entire idea of Shiv Sena was demolished in 2019. People do not trust such a party anymore,” Goyal said.

Election to the 288-member strong Maharashtra legislative assembly is scheduled for November 20 and the counting of votes will take place on November 23.