Deputy leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee Asle Toje on Thursday dismissed media reports claiming he had said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the “biggest contender” for the Nobel Peace Prize, reported ANI.
The clarification came after some TV channels and news publications, including Times Now, OpIndia and The Economic Times, misquoted Toje to claim that Modi is a major contender for the prestigious award.
Notably, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which selects the nominees, does not divulge the names of the contenders for 50 years.
Toje, who is on a visit to India, described the claims as fake news. “Let’s not give it energy or oxygen,” he added. “I categorically deny that I said anything resembling [what is being spread].”
Why has @ANI not tweeted this statement by Asle Toje?
