Senior Indian politician and cricket administrator Rajeev Shukla has publicly criticised a Pakistan-based media outlet for allegedly circulating misleading content attributed to him, calling the move irresponsible and an attempt to distort his views.

Shukla clarified that statements being shared in his name were either taken out of context or entirely fabricated. He urged the outlet to immediately stop disseminating what he described as false or manipulated narratives, warning that such actions damage credibility and inflame unnecessary tensions.

The controversy has once again spotlighted concerns over cross-border misinformation, particularly in the context of India–Pakistan relations where even minor comments can quickly escalate into diplomatic friction. Observers say that selective quoting and sensationalised reporting have often been used to provoke public reaction and create artificial controversies.

Indian officials and media analysts have long accused certain sections of Pakistan’s media ecosystem of amplifying distorted narratives to serve domestic political agendas. Critics argue that this pattern undermines journalistic standards and erodes trust in already fragile bilateral communication channels.

Shukla’s firm response signals growing impatience in New Delhi over what is seen as deliberate misrepresentation. He reiterated that his views on sporting and diplomatic matters have consistently been expressed through official platforms and verified channels, and cautioned audiences against relying on unverified claims circulating online.

The episode underscores the broader challenge of combating misinformation in a digitally connected but politically sensitive region. As tensions periodically flare between the two countries, analysts warn that media responsibility becomes even more crucial to prevent unnecessary escalation based on inaccurate or misleading reports. 

This image is taken from Deccan Chronicle.