A viral video circulating on social media claims to show Delhi’s newly sworn-in Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, skillfully wielding a sword. The clip has been widely shared, with many users praising her as a strong and dynamic leader with martial arts expertise. However, a detailed fact-check reveals that the woman in the video is not Rekha Gupta but Marathi actress Payal Jadhav, who originally posted the video on Instagram.
What Is the Claim?
The viral video has been shared across multiple platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp, with captions suggesting that the woman demonstrating sword-fighting skills is Rekha Gupta, the newly elected Delhi CM from the BJP. One such post read:
“Old video of RSS worker and ABVP leader Rekha Guptaji, now Delhi CM. Many congratulations to @gupta_rekha ji.”
This claim gained traction as users connected Gupta’s association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to the narrative of her being skilled in martial arts. However, this assertion is completely false.
Fact-Check Investigation
1. Identifying the Original Source
A thorough investigation led to the original video, which was posted by actress Payal Jadhav on Instagram on February 19, 2025. In her post, Jadhav dedicated the performance to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, highlighting her training in traditional sword fighting.
Additionally, she credited Savyasachi Gurukulam, a Maharashtra-based martial arts school specializing in ancient Indian combat techniques, for teaching her sword-wielding skills.
2. Who Is Payal Jadhav?
- Payal Jadhav is a known Marathi actress who debuted in the 2023 film Baaplyok.
- She has also appeared in the TV show Manvat Murders and had a minor role in the critically acclaimed movie Three of Us.
- Jadhav is trained in Bharatanatyam and holds a degree in the classical dance form from Lalit Kala Kendra, Pune University.
3. Matching the Viral Video with Past Posts
- A January 5, 2023, Instagram post by Jadhav shows her wearing a similar outfit to the one in the viral video, further debunking claims that the woman is Delhi CM Rekha Gupta.
- The background, lighting, and camera angles in Jadhav’s older posts also align with the viral footage, confirming that it was recorded much before Rekha Gupta became CM.
Conclusion
The viral claim that Delhi CM Rekha Gupta is the woman in the sword-fighting video is completely false. The woman in the clip is actress Payal Jadhav, who posted the video as a tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The false claim spread quickly due to misinformation on social media, with users failing to verify the source before sharing it.
Users are advised to rely on credible sources and fact-checking platforms before believing and spreading such misleading content.
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