A recent social media storm has revolved around a claim that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath displayed disrespect towards Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The allegation, which spread like wildfire online, suggested that Adityanath walked off the stage while Singh was still speaking at a public event. This report presents a detailed fact-check of the incident, separating the viral fiction from the verified truth.
The Origin of the Viral Claim and the Actual Event
The controversy stems from an event held in Lucknow on January 4, 2026. The occasion was the inauguration of the "Bharat Mart" at the UP International Trade Show. Both senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, were present on the dais as chief guests.
As the event concluded, a short video clip began circulating on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. This edited clip selectively showed Yogi Adityanath stepping down from the stage, creating an impression that he left abruptly while Rajnath Singh was still at the podium. The clip was paired with captions accusing the UP CM of intentional disrespect, sparking intense political debate and speculation.
Verifying the Facts: What Really Happened?
A thorough review of the full, unedited video footage from the event paints a completely different picture. The sequence of events, as verified by multiple sources and longer recordings, is as follows:
Rajnath Singh concluded his speech first. Following his address, he returned to his seat on the stage. Subsequently, Yogi Adityanath delivered his speech. After finishing his remarks, Adityanath walked over to Rajnath Singh's seat. The two leaders were then seen exchanging a warm handshake and engaging in a brief, cordial conversation right there on the stage.
Only after this interaction did both leaders, along with other dignitaries, begin to exit the stage. The viral clip was a misleadingly edited segment that cropped out the initial handshake and conversation, isolating the moment of Adityanath's walk down the stairs. The full video confirms there was no walkout; it was a coordinated and respectful departure following the formal conclusion of all speeches and on-stage pleasantries.
Context and Political Repercussions of the Fake News
This incident is a textbook example of how decontextualized video snippets can be weaponized to create false political narratives. The timing and nature of the claim are significant, aiming to sow discord within the top ranks of the ruling BJP by projecting a rift between two of its most prominent figures.
Such fabricated narratives often gain traction because they feed into pre-existing political conjectures. However, the complete footage leaves no room for misinterpretation. The body language and the recorded interaction between Singh and Adityanath demonstrate mutual respect and protocol adherence.
The event itself was a significant governmental initiative. Bharat Mart is envisioned as a massive warehousing and trade facilitation center aimed at boosting exports from Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The attempt to divert attention from this substantive policy announcement to a manufactured controversy highlights the challenges of information integrity in the digital age.
This fact-check underscores the critical importance of verifying sources and seeking full context before sharing or believing viral political content. The truth, in this case, reveals a routine conclusion to a public event, starkly contrasting the dramatic tale of discord peddled online.
