India, July 24 -- Goa minister Rohan Khaunte slammed "social media influencers", alleging that they take money to create false narratives about a decline in the state's tourism. He countered their claims with official data that shows Goa's "strong upward trajectory".

Addressing the Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon session, Khaunte said that the government has "nothing to hide as data speaks for itself". He dared the influencers to show proof of the 'decline' they are making claims about.

He spoke about the reports of a decline in tourists to the coastal state. He said, "They (influencers) take money to create noise and circulate false narratives. But when we presented official data, none of them countered it. If there is a decline,...