In this world of social media, nobody can predict what news will spread, and by whom. Ironically, some popular media outlets also pick it up, write articles and run shows.
The latest comedy is about a fake survey report in circulation, about Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, attributing it to India Today Mood Of The Nation.
The shocking thing is that this is not the deed of TDP-allied media, which generally does such things.
When we contacted and checked with the India Today Group, they confirmed they have not released any survey for the Telugu states so far.
Yet the gossip spread like wildfire, and those who believed it without cross-checking and those who wanted to believe it, have been making shows out of it.
Ironically, even now, some channels and social media handles are posting about this without at least checking whether it is official on the India Today websites.
The fake survey mentioned that YCP cannot return to power in Andhra Pradesh and that Telangana would witness a bipolar contest between Congress and BJP, with BRS struggling to regain its earlier centrality.
The blatant fact, even in open scenarios and from grassroots feelers, is that the ruling parties in both the Telugu states are facing huge opposition from the public.
Whether it is poor implementation of promised schemes, failure to deliver manifesto promises, or the general state of affairs, voters are unhappy in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.