Video clip of ‘intoxicated’ men shared by BJP MP Harbhajan was from Rajasthan, not Punjab: AAP
BJP MP Harbhajan Singh shared a video clip on social media claiming it depicted intoxicated men in Punjab, criticizing the state's youth and governance. However, AAP leaders and Punjab Police clarified that the video was actually from Rajasthan, accusing Singh of spreading misinformation to damage Punjab's reputation. Singh, who recently switched parties from AAP to BJP, faced backlash for the false claim, with critics alleging it was part of BJP's strategy to defame Punjab. Punjab Police specifically stated the video originated from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, urging users to verify information before sharing.
BJP Rajya Sabha member and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh faced backlash after sharing a video of two seemingly intoxicated individuals online, accusing Punjab’s government of failing to address the growing problem of drug abuse among the youth. The video, however, sparked a dispute over its origin, with Punjab Police and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) officials asserting that the footage was taken in Rajasthan, not Punjab. The incident unfolded on August 10, 2026, and quickly escalated into a political confrontation involving key figures from both parties. Singh posted the video on social media late on Monday, accompanied by a message expressing concern over the state of Punjab’s youth. His caption read, “Very sad to see the situation of Punjab. Punjab and its youth deserve better. This issue needs honesty, accountability, and urgent action, not denial.” In a more detailed statement, Singh criticized successive governments for their handling of the drug crisis in Punjab. He lamented, “What have the governments done to Punjab and its Punjabi youth? Where have they brought Punjab to? The Punjab that was once known for its high spirits, courage, and bravery, today that same Punjab’s youth has been engulfed by drugs. There is still time, save my Punjab.” Singh, who left AAP earlier this year to join the BJP, has become a focal point in the ongoing political tensions in Punjab. His comments were swiftly met with criticism from AAP leaders, who accused him of spreading false information to tarnish Punjab’s reputation. AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned whether the BJP had orchestrated the dissemination of the video. “Many BJP people spread this lie together yesterday. Did the order come from the PMO? Does the PMO spread lies in the country?” he asked on social media. Punjab Cabinet Minister Baljit Kaur condemned Singh for allegedly fabricating the narrative. She stated, “Look at the desperation to please his political bosses. He is sharing a video from Rajasthan and lying that it is from Punjab. You will do anything for 'BJP ki dalali,' even if it means ruining Punjab’s image. The people of Punjab will never forgive you for this.” Another Punjab Cabinet minister, Harbhajan Singh ETO, accused the BJP of employing a consistent strategy of manufacturing falsehoods and using individuals like Singh to damage Punjab’s public image. “This is the BJP’s standard modus operandi: manufacture lies and use sell-outs like Harbhajan to constantly defame Punjab. This video is from Rajasthan, but he lies to ruin the image of the state that gave him his entire career. Punjabis see right through this dirty propaganda,” he said. Punjab Police confirmed that the video in question was filmed in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, and not in Punjab. They issued a statement urging social media users to verify the facts and locations before sharing potentially misleading content. “The video being circulated is from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, not Punjab. We urge users and social media accounts to verify the facts and location before posting misleading content or tagging Punjab Police. Responsible sharing matters,” the police department said in a post on X. They further clarified that merely having a Punjabi audio track does not automatically classify an incident as occurring in Punjab. The controversy surrounding the video highlights the deepening political divide in Punjab, particularly between the ruling AAP government and the opposition BJP. Singh’s actions have intensified scrutiny on both sides, with AAP leaders emphasizing the need for factual accuracy in political discourse. Meanwhile, the BJP faces internal challenges as well, with reports indicating that Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon was recently summoned to Delhi by central leadership. The central leadership reportedly instructed Dhillon to contain dissent within the party, avoid making unilateral decisions, and ensure consensus among all stakeholders. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on how both parties will manage the fallout from the incident. With Punjab Police confirming the video’s origin and AAP leaders condemning Singh’s actions, the political landscape continues to evolve amid heightened tensions. The incident underscores the importance of verifying information before disseminating it, especially in the context of sensitive political issues.
3 reports
Times of IndiaIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 808/11/2026
BJP MP Harbhajan Singh sparked controversy by sharing a video depicting intoxicated men, labeling it as showing Punjab's deteriorating youth condition due to drugs. Punjab Police clarified the video was from Rajasthan, not Punjab, and criticized Singh for misrepresenting the footage. AAP leaders condemned Singh's actions, accusing him of using out-of-state content to tarnish Punjab's image politically. The video, referred to as involving a 'zombie drug' (xylazine), became a point of debate over misinformation and political motives.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the controversy around Singh's alleged misuse of the video for political gain, emphasizing the AAP's accusations of deliberate misinformation and political manipulation. While the factual dispute is balanced, the emphasis on Singh's political motivations and the AAP's strong rebuk
Why factuality (90): This article provides detailed information about the controversy, citing Punjab Police and AAP leaders who confirmed the video was from Rajasthan. It explains the context of the 'zombie drug' reference and includes quotes from officials, maintaining alignment with the cross-source consensus. It also
Why objectivity (80): While the article remains largely neutral, it gives more weight to the Punjab Police and AAP's correction of the BJP MP's claim, which may slightly favor the opposition party. The tone is informative but leans toward highlighting the BJP's potential misinformation, though it avoids overtly emotional
The HinduIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 758/11/2026
BJP MP Harbhajan Singh shared a video clip on social media claiming it depicted intoxicated men in Punjab, criticizing the state's youth and governance. However, AAP leaders and Punjab Police clarified that the video was actually from Rajasthan, accusing Singh of spreading misinformation to damage Punjab's reputation. Singh, who recently switched parties from AAP to BJP, faced backlash for the false claim, with critics alleging it was part of BJP's strategy to defame Punjab. Punjab Police specifically stated the video originated from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, urging users to verify information before sharing.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the incident as an attempt by BJP to misrepresent Punjab's image, highlighting accusations of deliberate falsehoods and partisan motives. While both parties are involved, the narrative emphasizes the BJP's alleged manipulation and the credibility of the AAP and Punjab Police's ref
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports that BJP MP Harbhajan Singh shared a video claimed to show Punjab's youth affected by drugs, but was corrected by AAP and Punjab Police stating it was from Rajasthan. It cites multiple sources including AAP leaders and Punjab Police, aligning with the cross-source cons
Why objectivity (75): The article presents both sides of the controversy, including the BJP MP's claims and the counterarguments from AAP and Punjab Police. However, it carries a slight bias towards the AAP and Punjab authorities, as evidenced by the emphasis on the BJP's alleged misinformation and the emotional language
The article reports that Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon has been summoned to Delhi by the party's central leadership. The leaders reportedly emphasized the need to contain internal dissent within the party, avoid unilateral decisions, and ensure all members are included in decision-making processes. This follows ongoing challenges to the BJP's organizational structure in Punjab, including potential alliance discussions with other parties.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about internal party dynamics without overtly favoring any particular faction or ideology. It focuses on the central leadership's directive to maintain unity and avoid divisive actions, which suggests a balanced approach rather than a clear ideological slant.
Why factuality (60): The article reports that Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon was summoned to Delhi and received a message from central leadership regarding containing rebellion and avoiding arbitrary decisions. This aligns with cross-source reporting, though specific details like the content of the message are
Why objectivity (55): The tone suggests a critical view of the BJP's internal challenges, using terms like 'rebellion' and implying potential instability. While not overtly biased, the framing leans toward portraying the BJP as facing internal issues, which may influence reader perception.
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