New Delhi, India – Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has firmly refuted Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s inaccurate statement about the results of India’s 2024 general elections. In a recent interview with renowned podcaster Joe Rogan, Zuckerberg claimed that most incumbent governments, including India’s, lost their elections in 2024 due to a global erosion of trust caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zuckerberg’s remarks, meant to highlight the pandemic’s impact on governance and elections, drew sharp criticism from Indian officials. “This is factually incorrect,” Vaishnaw declared, pointing out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government won a decisive third-term victory in the 2024 elections.
India’s Record-Breaking Election
Highlighting the scale and success of India’s democratic process, Vaishnaw stated on X (formerly Twitter):
As the world’s largest democracy, India conducted the 2024 elections with over 640 million voters. People of India reaffirmed their trust in NDA led by PM @narendramodi Ji’s leadership.
Mr. Zuckerberg’s claim that most incumbent governments, including India in 2024 elections,…
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 13, 2025
“As the world’s largest democracy, India conducted the 2024 elections with over 640 million voters. The people reaffirmed their trust in the NDA led by PM Modi.”
India’s elections have been hailed as a testament to robust democratic practices. PM Modi’s win underscores the public’s confidence in his administration’s governance and pandemic management strategies.
Zuckerberg’s Global Perspective Draws Backlash
During the interview, Zuckerberg suggested that 2024 marked a significant global trend where incumbent governments faced electoral defeats. He attributed this phenomenon to factors such as inflation, economic policies, and pandemic management. However, his generalized statement failed to reflect the Indian reality.
Vaishnaw countered by emphasizing that Modi’s leadership proved resilient, winning widespread support despite global challenges. “PM Modi’s decisive 3rd-term victory is a testament to good governance and public trust,” he asserted.
Criticism of Meta’s Approach to Misinformation
Zuckerberg’s comments have sparked broader conversations about Meta’s handling of misinformation and fact-checking. Critics, including the International Fact-Checking Network, have warned against policies that could exacerbate political instability and spread false narratives.
Conclusion
The Union Minister’s rebuttal reinforces India’s position as a thriving democracy, resilient against global trends of political distrust. The country’s 2024 elections showcased the strength of its institutions and the enduring trust of its citizens in the Modi government.
