Did Odisha's Congress Party File a Complaint Over Defamatory Videos Against OPCC Chief and His Son?
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Synopsis
In a significant political move, the Odisha Congress Party has filed a complaint against a web portal for spreading defamatory content. This incident raises questions about the impact of social media on political reputations. Will this lead to legal action and accountability for online misinformation?
Key Takeaways
- Complaint filed by Congress Party against defamatory videos.
- Allegations include accusations of corruption against OPCC president.
- Focus on the role of social media in spreading misinformation.
- Potential impact on upcoming elections in Nuapada.
- Call for accountability in digital content regulation.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 23 (NationPress) The Opposition Congress Party has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha, calling for decisive action against a web portal, its editor, an associate, and social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook for airing abusive and defamatory content directed at the president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), Bhakta Charan Das, and his son, Sagar Charana Das.
According to the complaint submitted by the OPCC, the web portal named "Focus Plus", located in Soubhagya Nagar under Khandagiri police jurisdiction in Bhubaneswar, has been broadcasting false, fabricated, and baseless news items against OPCC president Das and his son since October 15, using platforms like YouTube and Facebook without any legitimate justification.
The portal has allegedly labeled Das as a ‘Dalal’ or middleman, accusing him of betraying the Congress party to its rivals.
Moreover, the complaint highlights that the editor of the web portal, in a video, accused Das of ‘looting’ ₹60 crore in the name of Kalahandi’s development and amassing properties in Chhattisgarh.
The editor, in collaboration with a key associate, has reportedly broadcasted over ten abusive and derogatory news videos on YouTube and Facebook, which are deemed highly objectionable.
In these videos, it is also claimed that Das has sold party tickets during the Telangana state assembly elections in 2023 and is living extravagantly by continuously booking three rooms at Hotel Mayfair throughout the year.
The Congress party condemned the allegations made in these news items as fabricated, laughable, and shocking, asserting that the pristine image of the OPCC president, his son, and the party has been tarnished due to these videos.
Additionally, the party noted that such ‘irrational’ and ‘illegal accusations’ broadcast on social media are adversely impacting the chances of Congress candidates in the upcoming Nuapada bypolls, scheduled for November 11.
“We urge your immediate intervention to take appropriate legal measures against the individuals mentioned and to have the abusive content removed. We are prepared to provide any further information necessary for your inquiry. We look forward to your swift response and suitable action,” concluded the party's complaint.
Point of View
This incident underscores the critical challenge of misinformation in the digital landscape. The Congress Party's actions reflect a growing concern over the integrity of political discourse. It is imperative for authorities to address these issues to maintain trust in democratic processes.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the complaint about?
The complaint was about defamatory videos aired by a web portal against OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das and his son.
What allegations were made in the videos?
The videos accused Bhakta Charan Das of being a middleman and looting funds meant for development.
Which platforms were involved?
The allegations were disseminated via social media platforms including YouTube and Facebook.
What action is the Congress Party seeking?
The Congress Party is seeking legal action against the web portal and the removal of the defamatory content.
How might this affect upcoming elections?
The Congress Party believes that these allegations could negatively impact their candidates in the upcoming Nuapada bypolls.
