Fact Check: Hemant Soren's Free Shroud Video Misrepresented Amid Jharkhand Elections

A viral video alleging Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren promised free shrouds during the current assembly polls is misleading. It originates from 2021 when the state announced free shrouds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The false narrative links the video to electoral promises, causing widespread misinterpretation.

In the midst of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, a video showing Chief Minister Hemant Soren promising free shrouds has become a topic of controversy on social media. Users have been circulating this video, claiming it relates to current election promises. However, PTI Fact Check Desk's investigation reveals that the video is not recent.

The video, originally from 2021, was recorded when the Jharkhand government announced free shrouds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic's high death toll. Despite being three years old, the video is being misleadingly portrayed as part of the ongoing election campaign.

Reports from reliable sources, including Zee News and Navbharat Times, confirm that the initiative was part of measures during the Health Safety Week to aid families affected by the pandemic. This incorrect framing during the election period distorts the original context of Soren's announcement.

(With inputs from agencies.)