Epstein Files: Despite Co-ordinated Disinformation Campaign, Modi’s public Image Remains unaffected/Unscathed

Epstein Files: Despite Co-ordinated Disinformation Campaign, Modi’s public Image Remains unaffected/Unscathed

(By S. N. Verma)

In recent weeks, Indian social media platforms witnessed the rapid circulation of a claim alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name appeared in the so-called “Epstein Files.” The assertion was presented as a serious insinuation, framed to suggest impropriety by association. However, when the relevant material became publicly accessible and subject to verification, no such reference to the Prime Minister was found in any incriminating or questionable context.

The episode merits attention not because the claim was true—it was not—but because of the manner in which the narrative was constructed, amplified, and defended even after its factual foundation collapsed.

Manufacturing a Narrative

A noticeable aspect of the campaign was the striking uniformity of content across multiple platforms. Similar phrasing, identical talking points, and synchronized timing appeared in videos, posts, and commentaries circulated by a set of commentators and journalists. Some of the content went beyond reporting and ventured into speculative reasoning.

One particularly troubling argument suggested that the absence of the Prime Minister’s name itself demonstrated that it had allegedly been “removed,” thereby converting lack of evidence into supposed proof. Such logic is inherently circular and falls short of the standards of evidence-based journalism. In effect, it renders the claim immune to falsification—presence would be guilt, and absence would also be guilt.

Political Echo Chambers

Following the initial dissemination of the claim, political actors and party-affiliated digital platforms began circulating substantially similar narratives. The overlap between journalistic commentary and political amplification led to public debate over whether this convergence was organic or coordinated.

It is important to state with precision that coordination is alleged, not established as fact. Nonetheless, the speed and uniformity with which the narrative moved from commentary to political echo chambers raised legitimate questions about editorial independence and narrative alignment.

The Role of Advocacy Networks

Public discussion also turned toward international seminars and advocacy platforms that host journalists and opinion-makers for discussions on media and democracy. Such exchanges are neither unusual nor inherently improper. Journalists frequently participate in global forums, workshops, and fellowships.

However, critics have pointed out that when participants from such events subsequently advance near-identical political narratives within a domestic context, the distinction between independent journalism and ideological advocacy becomes blurred. These observations, it must be emphasized, represent opinions and public debate—not judicial findings or proven conclusions.

Disinformation Without Proof

The “Epstein Files” episode illustrates a broader phenomenon: disinformation does not require verification to achieve impact. Its effectiveness lies in repetition, emotional framing, and the strategic use of insinuation. Once the original claim failed scrutiny, the narrative subtly shifted toward vague suggestions of “professional meetings” or unnamed references—again without documentary support.

By then, however, the insinuation had already travelled far.

The End Result

Modi's public image remains unaffected.

Despite the intensity of the campaign, the outcome remains clear. Verifiable material does not support any allegation of wrongdoing or improper association involving Prime Minister Modi. His public image, built over decades of political life and scrutiny, remains unaffected by claims that could not withstand basic verification.

More importantly, the episode underscores a critical lesson for a democratic society: disagreement with political leadership is legitimate, even essential. But replacing evidence with conjecture, and journalism with insinuation, ultimately undermines public trust in institutions far beyond politics.

Conclusion

The collapse of the “Epstein Files” narrative serves as a reminder that repetition does not create truth, and speculation cannot substitute evidence. In an age of viral information and polarized discourse, the responsibility to distinguish fact from inference rests with journalists, political actors, and citizens alike.

Vigilance against disinformation—irrespective of the individual it targets—is not a partisan obligation. It is a civic necessity.