Zuckerberg’s False Election Claim Sparks Backlash, Meta Apologizes to India

New Delhi: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently found himself at the center of a political storm following a controversial statement about India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His claim that the ruling party in India was set to lose the elections sparked widespread backlash, leading to a public apology from Meta India.

The Controversial Statement:

During an appearance on the Joe Rogan Podcast, Zuckerberg claimed that “many ruling parties” across the globe faced defeat in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, including in India. He stated, “In 2024, several ruling parties, including in India, lost the elections, and this trend was observed worldwide.”

However, this statement was factually incorrect as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) registered a significant victory in the 2024 elections, continuing its dominance.

Political Fallout:

Zuckerberg’s statement was swiftly condemned by Indian politicians, who viewed it as an unwarranted interference in the country’s domestic politics. BJP leaders, including Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey, who is also the chairman of the Parliamentary Panel on IT, called for accountability and questioned Meta’s credibility.

Meta India responded promptly, with Vice President Shivanath Thakur issuing a public apology. He clarified, “While it may be true that many ruling parties globally faced setbacks, it was incorrect in the context of India’s elections. We sincerely apologize for this unintentional error. India is a crucial market for Meta, and we look forward to partnering with the country in its innovative future.”

Public Backlash:

The apology was not enough to quell the anger among Indian citizens and politicians. Many expressed their displeasure, emphasizing that India’s democratic processes and election results should not be undermined by external entities. Leaders from BJP and other political parties vowed to keep a close watch on social media platforms and their influence on Indian political discourse.

Nishikant Dubey further stressed that the decision to elect Narendra Modi for a third consecutive term was solely in the hands of the Indian people and that foreign companies had no say in shaping India’s democratic outcomes.

The incident underscores the growing tensions between global tech companies and national politics, highlighting the need for greater scrutiny of foreign influence in domestic affairs.

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