In an era where misinformation spreads faster than wildfire, political parties and their digital warriors have turned social media into a battlefield of deception. The Congress party, known for its desperate attempts to regain lost ground, recently found itself embroiled in a controversy after peddling blatant lies about Bollywood actress and entrepreneur Preity Zinta.
Congress’ Fake News Factory Targets Preity Zinta
On February 24, 2025, the Kerala unit of the Indian National Congress posted a malicious claim on their ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle. They alleged that Preity Zinta had an ₹18 crore loan written off by New India Co-operative Bank in exchange for handing over her social media accounts to the BJP. Adding to the absurdity, they suggested that this loan waiver led to the bank’s collapse, leaving depositors stranded.
The Congress post read:
“She gave her social media accounts to BJP and got 18 Cr written off and the bank collapsed last week. Depositors are on the streets for their money.”
This was not a mere lapse in judgment but a calculated move to mislead people, tarnish reputations, and score cheap political points.
Preity Zinta Slams Congress for Spreading Lies
A furious Preity Zinta took to social media to shut down these false allegations. She made it clear that she personally manages her social media accounts and has never had any loan waived. Calling out the Congress for indulging in “vile gossip & clickbait,” she stated:
“No, I operate my social media accounts myself and shame on you for promoting FAKE NEWS! No one wrote off anything or any loan for me. I’m shocked that a political party or their representative is promoting fake news & indulging in vile gossip & click baits using my name & images.”
Preity’s dignified yet strong response exposed Congress’ reliance on deception to manipulate public perception. Instead of engaging in constructive politics, the party resorted to dragging an apolitical celebrity into its mudslinging tactics.
Congress’ History of Fake News and Character Assassination
This is not an isolated incident. The Congress party has a long history of deploying fake news, misleading propaganda, and personal attacks to stay relevant. Their IT cell, instead of offering substantive critiques or policy solutions, engages in spreading half-truths and outright fabrications.
From distorting statements of political leaders to promoting doctored videos of celebrities, the party has left no stone unturned in deceiving the public. The Congress IT cell has been particularly active in:
- Fabricating false narratives to malign BJP supporters and neutral public figures.
- Exploiting deepfake technology to create misleading content.
- Distorting facts about economic and financial policies to confuse voters.
- Spreading communal fear-mongering when elections approach.
The Rise of Deepfakes and AI-Driven Lies
In recent times, AI-generated deepfakes have become a key weapon in Congress’ misinformation arsenal. In April 2024, several Bollywood actors, including Ranveer Singh and Aamir Khan, were shown in AI-generated videos allegedly criticizing the government. These clips, later debunked, proved how low the Congress IT cell was willing to stoop.
If such deepfake videos can be made of celebrities, imagine the scale of manipulation being employed in shaping political narratives. It is no longer about ideology or governance but about who can manufacture the most convincing lie.
The Larger Agenda: Discrediting Independent Voices
Why was Preity Zinta targeted? She is not even a political figure. The answer is simple: Congress despises independent voices who refuse to toe their narrative.
Over the years, the party has demonized artists, industrialists, and professionals who do not blindly align with their views. Instead of engaging in dialogue, they vilify, intimidate, and slander.
Preity’s case highlights a disturbing trend:
- If you remain politically neutral, you are accused of secretly supporting the BJP.
- If you criticize Congress, you are immediately labeled a ‘Sanghi’ or an ‘agent’.
- If you defend yourself, the IT cell amplifies even more fake news to silence you.
Conclusion: Congress’ Self-Destructive Path
The Congress party, once a formidable force in Indian politics, is now reduced to an ecosystem of propaganda, deceit, and victimhood. Instead of addressing real issues, they manufacture fake scandals to stay in the headlines.
Preity Zinta’s case is just one example of how they have weaponized fake news to target individuals. But the real tragedy is their utter disregard for truth, accountability, and ethics.
As voters, it’s time to reject this culture of misinformation and demand politics based on integrity, vision, and transparency. Until then, Congress’ fake news machinery will continue running—until it collapses under the weight of its own lies.