Meta Under Fire: WHC Demands Answers After CM Fadnavis Video Removed
World Hindu Congress asks authorities to intervene after Meta removes a video of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis promoting the WHC 2026.
The organizing committee of the World Hindu Congress (WHC) 2026 has sparked a confrontation with social media giant Meta, seeking a formal explanation after a video featuring Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was repeatedly removed from its platforms. The WHC has now approached the Mumbai Police, Delhi Police, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to intervene in the matter.
What Triggered the Controversy?
The dispute began on October 26, when the organizers uploaded a video of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta-owned platforms. In the clip, the Chief Minister extends an invitation to Hindus worldwide to attend the World Hindu Congress, scheduled to take place in Mumbai from December 18-20, 2026.
However, the video didn't stay up for long. Within a few hours, the content was restricted in India. According to the organizers, Meta issued a notification stating that the removal was due to "legal requirements" under the applicable Information Technology Rules. Despite the restriction, the WHC attempted to re-upload the video on the night of October 26, only for it to be removed once again on October 27.
Allegations of Bias and Lack of Transparency
The WHC has expressed deep concern over the vague nature of Meta's justification. The organizing committee pointed out that the company failed to specify which legal provision or platform policy was violated to warrant the restriction.
In their communications, the organizers voiced apprehension that the decision might have been influenced by a bias against Hindu causes. They have questioned whether Meta's content moderation policies are being applied fairly and consistently across the board.
Demands for Action
The WHC has urged government authorities to:
- Demand a clear explanation from Meta regarding the grounds for the removal.
- Investigate if the action aligns with current laws and regulations.
- Ensure that the restricted video is reinstated immediately.
- Guarantee that content moderation is conducted without religious or ideological bias to prevent future occurrences.
Parallel to the government appeals, the WHC has written directly to Meta, calling for total transparency and an assurance that such removals will not happen again.
Inside the World Hindu Congress 2026
The video at the center of the storm is a promotional piece for the upcoming gathering in Mumbai. The event will be held under the theme “Samānaṃ Vrataṃ Saha Cittam” (Shared Commitment: Collective Resolve). This global summit is designed to bring together Hindu leaders, thinkers, and activists on a single platform.
Event Highlights:
- Thematic Conferences: The congress will feature seven concurrent sessions focusing on Politics, Economy, Education, Media, Women, Youth, and Hindu Organisations.
- Attendance: Participation is capped at 4,000 registered delegates.
- Leadership: The initiative is led by Swami Vigyananand, Joint General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and organized by the World Hindu Foundation.
A Global Legacy
The World Hindu Congress is held every four years and has a history of significant international participation:
- 2014 (New Delhi): 1,800 delegates from 53 countries.
- 2018 (Chicago): Over 2,450 delegates from 60 countries.
- 2023 (Bangkok): 2,300 delegates from 62 countries.
High-Profile Attendees Confirmed
The 2026 event in Mumbai is expected to draw a powerhouse of leaders from various sectors. Confirmed participants include:
- Mohan Bhagwat (RSS Chief)
- Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra CM)
- Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam CM)
- Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh CM)
- Sanjeev Sanyal (Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister)
- Ashishkumar Chauhan (MD and CEO, National Stock Exchange of India)
- Sumant Sinha (Founder, Chairman & CEO, ReNew)
- Manoj Muntashir (Lyricist, Screenwriter, and Poet)