Fake UP govt website runs opinion poll on Ram Temple

A fake website—ayodhya-issue.gov-up.in—named deceptively like the website of the Uttar Pradesh government—up.gov.in—is running an opinion poll on the Ayodhya Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, creating the impression as if the poll is run by the government.

A large number of people have been deceived into believing that the Uttar Pradesh government is running the poll towards creating a consensus on the issue.



In fact, the fake website also carries a photograph of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and a message below it: "The Supreme Court on 21st Mar, 2017 observed that the Ayodhya dispute must be settled amicably through a cordial meeting of all parties. This platform gives a chance to general public to express opinion on the subject which shall be helpful in creating a concensus [sic] to resolve this issue."

A story was carried on the economictimes.com which mistook this fake website for the Uttar Pradesh government website. The story was immediately taken off after the reality of the website became known.