Did the government block Rahul Gandhi’s Instagram video with Vijay? What did the ministry say?

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Monday refuted Congress’ claims that Instagram “blocked” videos and photos of Rahul Gandhi with newly appointed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, claiming that the ministry was actively restricting the voices of the country’s opposition leaders.Sources told news agency ANI that the ministry had nothing to do with the operation and that the platform’s internal system mistakenly marked the post as blocked.The source said, “Some social media accounts falsely claimed that certain posts by LoP were restricted by MeitY. It was clarified that MeitY had nothing to do with this action; this was because the platform’s own internal system mistakenly marked the post as blocked, and the post has now been reinstated on the platform.”This comes after former Youth Congress national campaign chief Srivatsa claimed the video had received 12 million views in less than an hour, while the viral photo post had attracted 46 million people.“Instagram has blocked the video and pictures of LoP Rahul Gandhi with Thalapathy Vijay during today’s oath-taking ceremony. The video had garnered 12 million views in less than an hour, while the video has attracted 46 million views,” Srivasa said.“Meta has not stated why his account is inaccessible. This ‘glitch’ is because of MeitY rules. Rahul Gandhi’s social media accounts have been suppressed for a long time. His X reach, YouTube views and Instagram followers have been suppressed. This is how the voice of opposition leaders is suppressed in India,” he added.Vijay was sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday. Rahul was also present at the ceremony and later shared several pictures with the actor-politician on social media.The Congress, which has five MLAs, backed the Vijay-led TVK, which emerged as the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu assembly polls.Earlier, Tamil Nadu witnessed one of the most dramatic political transformations in its modern history as actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the state’s 13th chief minister, ending the decades-long political dominance of the DMK and AIADMK and ushering in what he called “a new era of genuine, secular and social justice”.As thousands of supporters erupted in cheers, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar swore in secrecy to Vijay and his cabinet colleagues.In his first speech as chief minister, Vijay repeatedly emphasized his humble beginnings and rejected any larger-than-life political image. “My dear people, my own family…I am not a divine messenger or prophet. I’m just a normal person living a normal life. I will never deceive you with false promises. I will only promise what is possible,” he said to deafening applause.Vijay thanked the young voters and children who enthusiastically campaigned for him, and made a special mention of his Gen Z supporters, saying: “Special thanks to the little kids who call me ‘Vijay’s mom’. It’s because of them that this happened. I will repay your kindness by working for your future. Stay confident – ​​this Vijay mama will always be there for you. “This line immediately became one of the biggest highlights of the online festival.Calling his victory “a new beginning”, the TVK founder said, “Come, let us all come together to build a fresh new government for Tamil Nadu. This is the beginning of a new era of genuine, secular and social justice.”