Fake News Debunked: Kamala Harris Did Not Speak to Rahul Gandhi, VP’s Office Clarifies

Vice President Kamala Harris has not engaged in a phone conversation with India’s Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as clarified by the VP’s office, debunking fake news circulated on social media.

Reports initially surfaced claiming the alleged phone call occurred on Thursday, but specifics of the conversation were not disclosed. PTI‘s US correspondent, Lalit K Jha, later labeled the news as inaccurate, with the vice president’s office asserting it was false.

The inaccurate information stirred political commentators in India, who emphasized Rahul Gandhi’s elevated status following the country’s elections, leading to his appointment as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

A user on social media wrote, ‘Big Breaking! US Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to LOP Rahul Gandhi on the phone yesterday. After becoming LOP, Rahul Gandhi’s stature has increased a lot, now the world sees him as the next Prime Minister of India.’

Following the spread of the fabricated news, Rahul Gandhi was hailed as the ‘shadow Prime Minister of India,’ causing celebrations among Congress supporters, despite the misinformation.

Concerns arose regarding the origin of the false news, with commentators questioning the spread without proper verification, especially by pro-Congress journalists."They had not done that. This is serious Fake News!» one commentator expressed.

In the current political landscape, Kamala Harris is emerging as a key Democratic figure, potentially challenging Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Recent reports suggest a shift towards supporting Harris as some heavyweight sponsors threaten to withdraw backing from a struggling Biden.

Although Joe Biden affirmed his commitment to his role, he acknowledged Kamala Harris’s qualifications to lead, underscoring why he selected her as Vice President. Harris, a trailblazer, became the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to hold the position of US Vice President in 2020.

Operating from a foundation of unwavering accuracy and commitment to providing diverse perspectives, the TOI World Desk navigates global events to present readers with up-to-date news and insights encompassing a myriad of international affairs.