YouTuber behind fake news on migrant workers in Tamil Nadu joins BJP

Chennai: The YouTuber who allegedly circulated fake videos of Bihari migrant workers being attacked in Tamil Nadu joined the BJP on Thursday, The News Minute reported.

Manish Kashyap, who met BJP national president JP Nadda, told media that he was expressing his gratitude towards the party for helping with his release from jail.

The Tamil Nadu police arrested the YouTuber after several videos of north Indian workers being attacked in Tamil Nadu began circulating on platforms in the first week of March 2023.

The then Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Sylendra Babu in a video statement termed the videos as false and warned that they were meant to create unrest in the state.

Manish told media, “We came from Bihar with Manoj Tiwari yesterday. I could be released from jail only due to them and the bad days of my life ended. So, I joined the BJP. We have to strengthen Bihar. Lalu’s family looted and destroyed Bihar. So I joined the BJP. Together with the BJP, I will strengthen Bihar… Allegations were levelled against me but the Patna Court not only granted me bail but also acquitted me. NSA slapped on me was withdrawn… My fight against those who defame Sanatana and those who are against nationalism will continue…”

On March 18, Manish had surrendered at the Jagdishpur police station in Bihar’s West Champaran and was booked by the Madurai Cybercrime Wing for spreading false news and videos.

Subsequently in April 2023, he was charged under the National Security Act (NSA).

The Madras High Cour granted him bail in November 2023 alongside quashing his detention under the NSA.

It is reported that during an Economic Offences Unit (EOU) probe he said he had political ambitions and hoped for ticket from Shiv Sena, adding that he did not get it due to the cases against him.

However, he contested as an independent candidate in 2020 but was not successful, according to the report.