The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has accused Meta of anti-Hindu bias after the company restricted a video featuring Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inviting people to attend the World Hindu Congress 2026 in Mumbai. The organisation has demanded that Meta restore the video and issue a public apology, threatening legal action if it fails to do so.
The World Hindu Congress organising committee said the video was uploaded to Facebook, Instagram and other platforms on October 26. Within hours, the video became unavailable to viewers in India on Meta’s platforms.
A notice displayed by Meta stated, “Your video is unavailable in India,” citing legal requirements under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules.
Meta said it had received a legal request to restrict the content and reviewed it against its policies, including through a legal and human rights assessment. Following the review, the company said it restricted access in the location where the content was found to violate local law.
Video Reposted, Then Removed Again
The World Hindu Congress said it reposted the video on the night of October 26, but it was removed again on October 27.
The organisation has sought clarification from Meta on the specific legal provision under which the video was restricted and the grounds for the decision.
In a statement, the organising committee called for transparency, the reinstatement of the video and assurances that similar removals would not happen again.
The organisation also approached the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Mumbai Police and Delhi Police, seeking an explanation for the restriction.
It alleged that the action raised concerns about possible bias against Hindu causes and questioned the fairness and consistency of Meta’s content moderation policies.
VHP Accuses Meta of Anti-Hindu Bias
VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal threatened legal action against Meta, describing the restriction as an anti-Hindu action.
In a post on X, Bansal questioned the legal basis for the decision and demanded that the company restore the video and issue a public apology.
He also urged MeitY to intervene and take action against what he called a unilateral and arbitrary decision. Bansal said the organisation had lodged complaints with the central government and the Mumbai and Delhi police.
The allegations of anti-Hindu bias have not been independently established. Meta’s stated explanation was that it had received a legal request and restricted access after reviewing the content.
World Hindu Congress Scheduled for December
The World Hindu Congress 2026 is scheduled to take place in Mumbai from December 18 to 20. The event, held every four years, brings together Hindu leaders, scholars, activists and organisations from across the world. Its previous edition was held in Bangkok in 2023.
The upcoming conference is expected to feature discussions on seven themes: economy, education, media, politics, women, youth and Hindu organisations. Organisers expect around 4,000 registered delegates from across the world.
Those expected to attend include Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
At the time of the reports, Meta and MeitY had not issued a response to media requests for comment on the controversy.
