Graphic attributes synthesized quote to Zakir Naik on Indian politics?

checkthis · automated fact-check · How we check

The Reel attributes a fabricated direct quote to Zakir Naik, though reports confirm he expressed similar views during a sting operation. In a sting operation reported by Republic World and The Vibes, Islamic preacher Zakir Naik stated he would return to India after the BJP leaves power and expressed support for a Congress-led coalition. However, the exact quote displayed on the graphic is a synthesized paraphrase rather than his verbatim words. Attributing manufactured quotation marks to a speaker makes the post misleading.

2 sources
Checked 4 Nov 2026
Main source: 'Congress Can Come Back To Power..': Terror Fugitive Zakir Naik Backs Rahul's Leadership | Exclusive | Republic World

The post we checked

"Rahul is better, Congress must seize power in a coalition, i won’t step foot in India until the BJP is wiped out!” :Zakir Naik, Terr*r*st

No link: Instagram doesn't share the address of a post sent by DM, so we can't link to it.

The trick: Fake quote

It puts words in someone's mouth that they never said.

“Rahul is better, Congress must seize power in a coalition, I won't step foot in India until the BJP is wiped out!”

The creator fabricated a direct quote by stitching together headlines and paraphrased summary points from news reports about a sting operation.

How this trick works and how to answer it →

What the post doesn't tell you

The quotation displayed on the post is a synthesized paraphrase created from media headlines rather than an exact, verbatim statement.
Republic World reported that in an undercover sting operation Zakir Naik stated he would return to India after the BJP goes out of power and voiced support for a Congress-led coalition.
The Vibes reported that Zakir Naik backed Rahul Gandhi over Narendra Modi during the same interview.

Short version

⚠️ MISLEADING 👉 The Reel attributes a fabricated direct quote to Zakir Naik, though reports confirm he expressed similar views during a sting operation. 👉 In a sting operation reported by Republic World and The Vibes, Islamic preacher Zakir Naik stated he would return to India after the BJP leaves power and expressed support for a Congress-led coalition. 🎭 Trick: Fake quote 📰 Sources: Republic, The Vibes 🔎 Full check: send this post to @checkthis.chat