Sun News has come under scrutiny for disseminating fake news concerning Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s remarks during a press conference held on 22 December 2023.
The news outlet reported that Sitharaman had allegedly stated, “We cannot announce the severe flood damages in Tamil Nadu as a national disaster.”
However, the Finance Minister’s speech has been distorted to peddle propaganda.
Contrary to Sun News’ claims, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not make any such statement during the press meet. Nirmala Sitharaman stated, “There is no practice of announcing any disaster, in any state, at any time, by any government (of India) as a National Disaster. Since there is a lot of interest in Tamil Nadu, even the Tsunami of December 2004 (UPA with partner DMK) was not declared as National Disaster.”
There is no practice of announcing any disaster, in any state, at any time, by any government (of India) as National Disaster. Since there is a lot of interest in TN, even Tsunami of December 2004 (UPA with partner DMK) was not declared as Natl. Disaster. 1/3
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) December 22, 2023
The misinformation has drawn sharp criticism, with Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah condemning the spread of fake news by Sun News.
#FakeNews is the only oxygen of @sunnewstamil ?? What pathetic bunch of losers are you guys?
Mr.@Dayanidhi_Maran your filthy mind is exposed in your family run news channel’s filthy behaviour.
Hon FM @nsitharaman never said this. pic.twitter.com/ijdw3ScZBe
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) December 22, 2023
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