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Odisha Congress Files Defamation Case: Web Portal's Shocking Videos Target Party Chief

The Congress party has filed a formal complaint against web portal Focus Plus for circulating defamatory videos. These videos allegedly target OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das and his son with serious accusations. The portal has been accused of calling Das a 'middleman' and making fabricated claims about financial misconduct. Congress claims these videos are affecting their election prospects in the upcoming Nuapada bypolls.

Key Points: Congress Files Complaint Over Defamatory Videos Against OPCC Chief

  • Congress alleges web portal termed OPCC chief as 'Dalal' and accused of selling party
  • Portal accused Das of looting Rs 60 crore in Kalahandi's name
  • Videos claim Das sold Congress tickets in Telangana assembly elections
  • Defamatory content affecting Congress prospects in Nuapada bypolls
2 min read

Odisha: Congress files complaint over defamatory videos targeting OPCC chief, his son

Congress files complaint against Focus Plus portal for defamatory videos targeting OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das and his son ahead of Nuapada bypolls.

"Terming the allegations made in the news items as fabricated, laughable and shocking - Congress Party"

Bhubaneswar, Oct 23

The Opposition Congress Party on Thursday filed a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha seeking stringent action against a web portal, its editor, his associate and social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, etc for telecasting abusive and defamatory contents against the president of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Bhakta Charan Das and his son Sagar Charana Das.

As per the complaint filed by OPCC, the web portal, namely "Focus Plus", whose office is situated at Soubhagya Nagar under Khandagiri police limits in Bhubaneswar, has, from October 15, been indulging in telecasting false, fabricated and baseless news items against OPCC president Das and his son through media platforms, namely YouTube and Facebook, without any reasonable cause or valid ground.

The web portal has allegedly termed Das as ‘Dalal’ (middleman) and accused him of selling the Congress party to its opponents. The Congress party further claimed that the editor of the web portal, in a video, also reportedly accused Das of ‘looting’ Rs 60 crore in the name of Kalahandi’s development and of accumulating properties in Chhattisgarh.

The editor of the web portal, in connivance with one of his key aides, had telecast more than ten abusive and derogatory news videos through YouTube and Facebook, which are highly objectionable in nature. The web portal in these videos also reportedly alleged that Das sold party tickets in the Telangana state assembly elections in 2023 and that he enjoys a lavish lifestyle by booking three rooms in Hotel Mayfair throughout the year.

Terming the allegations made in the news items as fabricated, laughable and shocking, the Congress party alleged that the spotless image of the OPCC president, his son, and the party has been tarnished due to these videos. The party also claimed that such irrational and illegal accusations telecast on social media platforms have been affecting the winning prospects of Congress candidates in the ensuing Nuapada bypolls, scheduled to be held on November 11.

Lastly, the party requested urgent intervention to take appropriate legal action against the persons named and to have the abusive content removed. They stated they are available to provide any further information required for the investigation and asked for a prompt response and appropriate action.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support action against fake news, I wish Congress would be equally proactive in addressing genuine corruption allegations within their own ranks. The timing before bypolls seems convenient. 🤔
A
Arjun K
Bhakta Charan Das has served Odisha politics for years. These character assassination attempts through YouTube channels are becoming too common. The Election Commission should impose heavy penalties on such portals.
S
Sarah B
As someone from Kalahandi, I've seen development work happening. These allegations of ₹60 crore loot seem exaggerated. But politicians should be transparent about their assets to avoid such controversies.
V
Vikram M
The "Focus Plus" portal should be shut down immediately if they can't provide evidence for such serious allegations. This is not journalism, this is character assassination. 😠
M
Michael C
Interesting how these videos started on October 15, just before the bypolls. Clearly a targeted campaign to influence voters. Social media platforms need better content moderation in India.

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