Manish Kashyap, YouTuber Who Circulated Fake News On Tamil Nadu, Joins BJP (image- twitter/@OfficeofJPNadda)

Manish Kashyap, a YouTuber who got arrested last year for circulating fake news regarding the Bihar migrant workers being assaulted in Tamil Nadu joined the Bharata Janata Party on Thursday. After joining the saffron party, the Youtuber met with the BJP chief JP Nadda and said that he had joined the party out of gratitude for helping him with his release from jail.

In March 2023, several videos of north Indian laborers in Tamil Nadu being attacked began circulating on social media. After joining the party, while speaking to the media persons, Manish said, “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 NSA slapped on me was withdrawn… My fight against those who defame Sanatana and those who are against nationalism will continue…”

After the video was circulated on social media, then Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Sylendra Babu issued a video statement saying that the videos were false and were being circulated to create unrest in the state. Shortly after, Manish was arrested by the Tamil Nadu police and brought to the state. 

On March 18, Manish surrendered in Bihar’s West Champaran. He was booked by the Madurai Cybercrime Wing for spreading false news and videos about Bihari migrant laborers being attacked in the state.

Later in April 2023, he was booked under the National Security Act (NSA). In November, Manish was granted bail by the Madras High Court, which was also quashed under the NSA.