Manikanth Rathod condemns blocking of his social media accounts

BJP leader Manikanth Rathod sharply criticised the blocking of his Instagram and Facebook accounts, describing the move as a deliberate attempt to ‘silence his voice’ and restrict his digital outreach.

Speaking to press persons here on Friday, Mr. Rathod alleged that the ban was a politically motivated act, accusing Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge and the State government of conspiring to get his accounts blocked.

“This is a clear attempt to curb my Right to Speech guaranteed by the Constitution. People who often talk about protecting the Constitution are themselves acting against it by trying to suppress my voice,” he said.

Mr. Rathod pointed out that he had 72,000 followers on Instagram and 44,000 followers on Facebook, and that his videos had garnered millions of views. “Blocking one social media account will not stop me,” he asserted.

He further alleged that the move was part of an ongoing effort to intimidate him, claiming that ‘a series of cases’ were being filed with the intention of silencing him. “Mr. Priyank Kharge is attempting various methods to suppress my voice. But I will not yield. If he does not change his attitude, people will give a befitting reply in appropriate time,” he cautioned.

Reaffirming his determination, he said he would continue to raise issues related to corruption and illegal activities reportedly occurring in the district. He added that he has already opened a new social media account to keep himself connected to the public.