WHC Demands Meta's Clarification on Fadnavis Video Removal

The World Hindu Congress (WHC) organizing committee has formally requested explanations from Meta regarding the removal of a video featuring Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The video, which encourages Hindu participation in the upcoming World Hindu Congress scheduled for December 18-20, 2026, was initially posted on various platforms including Facebook and Instagram on October 26, but was restricted from view shortly thereafter.

According to the WHC, the video was taken down due to unspecified legal requirements cited by Meta, which has raised significant concerns among the organizers. They argue that the lack of clarity regarding the specific legal provisions or platform policies that led to the video's removal is troubling. The WHC has expressed apprehension that the decision may reflect a bias against Hindu interests, questioning the consistency and fairness of Meta's content moderation practices.

In response to the removal, the WHC has urged local authorities, including the Mumbai and Delhi Police, as well as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, to intervene and seek a detailed explanation from Meta. They are advocating for a review of the legal grounds for the video's removal and are calling for the reinstatement of the content, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment of all content regardless of religious or ideological affiliations.

The World Hindu Congress, an initiative led by Swami Vigyananand and organized by the World Hindu Foundation, aims to unite Hindu leaders and organizations globally. The upcoming congress will feature multiple thematic conferences covering various topics such as economy, education, and politics, with a maximum participation of 4,000 registered delegates. Notable figures, including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and several state chief ministers, are expected to attend.

Looking ahead, the WHC is pressing for transparency from Meta regarding its content moderation policies and the rationale behind the video's removal. They are determined to ensure that such incidents do not recur and that the rights of Hindu representation in digital spaces are upheld. The WHC's actions underscore the ongoing dialogue about content moderation practices and the implications for free expression in the digital age.