Fact Check: Viral Survey On Andhra Pradesh Elections Fake, Channel Refutes Social Media Posts

New Delhi (Vishvas News). Two different posts claiming to be a survey conducted by Republic TV News Channel are going viral on social media regarding the 2024 Andhra Pradesh elections. One post projects the Telugu Desam Party, Jana Sena Party alliance (TDP + JSP) bagging 132 seats, while the other post shows the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) winning 132 seats.

Vishvas News investigated both viral posts and found them to be fake. Republic News Channel has denied conducting any such survey, as stated on their social media.

What Is Going Viral?

Supporters of different parties are sharing these posts on Facebook. Some users are sharing it with the claim that YSRCP will get a majority while some are sharing it with claims of TDP-JSP alliance’s victory.

Several users are sharing the posts. Archived versions of the posts can be seen here and here.

Investigation

Vishvas News initially utilised the Google Open Search tool to probe the viral post. Despite extensive keyword searches, no credible news sources were found to corroborate the claim of Republic TV conducting a survey on the Andhra Pradesh elections, as purported by the viral post.

Next, we scrutinised Republic TV’s official website and social media platforms. However, no evidence of a survey similar to the one described in the viral post was found.

Republic Bharat reacted to the viral content in an X post on March 2, refuting the claims. “Some mischievous elements are spreading fake news with the logo of Republic Media Network. The Institute wishes to clarify that Republic Network has not conducted any pre-poll survey in the state of Andhra Pradesh. All such news is wrong and confusing. The institute does not take any responsibility for this,” the news portal said. A similar statement was issued on Republic’s English handle, labeling the survey as fake.

Subsequently, Vishvas News proceeded to contact Republic Media Network, which said in a statement, that its logo was being misused in the false posts on elections. The assertion that a pre-survey had been conducted by Republic TV for the Andhra Pradesh elections was deemed entirely fabricated.

Upon concluding the investigation, it was revealed that the individuals responsible for the fake posts were residents of Andhra Pradesh. However, no further information regarding these individuals was ascertainable.