YouTubers Dhruv Rathee and Gaurav Taneja are at odds once again, this time over Uttar Pradesh’s controversial new social media policy. The debate has intensified following Rathee’s criticism of the policy, which allows influencers to earn up to Rs 8 lakh per month for promoting government initiatives.
Rathee’s Criticism: ‘Legalized Bribery’
Dhruv Rathee, known for his critical analysis of government policies, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval. In a viral post that garnered over 2 million views, Rathee labeled the policy as “Legalized Bribery,” accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of using taxpayer money to fund influencer promotions. He argued that this practice undermines the integrity of influencers and should be publicly condemned.
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Taneja’s Defense: Comparing with Traditional Media
In response, Gaurav Taneja, a former pilot and IITian, defended the scheme. He questioned whether media outlets such as newspapers and TV channels, which also receive government advertisements, should face similar criticism. Taneja argued that the policy could be seen as a modern extension of traditional media practices, rather than an isolated issue of bribery.
Overview of the UP Government’s Social Media Policy
The Uttar Pradesh government’s new social media policy, approved by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s Cabinet, aims to incentivize influencers to promote government schemes and achievements. Under this policy, influencers will be categorized into four groups based on their follower counts and will receive payments for their promotional activities on platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The government asserts that the policy will provide income opportunities for individuals from Uttar Pradesh residing outside the state, while also enhancing the reach of its initiatives through social media.
Public Reactions and Implications
The exchange between Rathee and Taneja has sparked a range of reactions from the online community. Some view Rathee’s stance as a necessary critique of government spending, while others agree with Taneja’s perspective that such payments are part of a broader media strategy. This debate reflects ongoing discussions about the role of social media in modern governance and public relations.
Previous Clashes
This latest confrontation is not the first between the two YouTubers. Earlier in June 2024, Rathee and Taneja clashed over the “India vs. Bharat” issue, showcasing their differing views on national identity and politics.
As the debate continues, the implications of the Uttar Pradesh social media policy remain a topic of public and political interest.