AI Deepfake Row: Congress’s PM Tea-Seller Clip Ignites Fiery Political Battle

A recent AI-generated video showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi seemingly selling tea at a red-carpet event has sparked a major political controversy, pitting the Congress against the ruling BJP. The clip, circulated by a Congress leader, quickly went viral, triggering a sharp backlash from the BJP, which labeled it as a deceptive tactic.

The contentious video, an apparent AI deepfake, depicted the Prime Minister in his earlier avatar as a tea vendor, but incongruously placed him amidst a lavish red-carpet setting. The Congress leader behind its dissemination seemingly aimed to draw a contrast between PM Modi’s humble origins and his current public image, though the underlying tone was perceived by many as sarcastic or critical. This move highlights the increasing use of artificial intelligence in political narratives, a tool that offers both creative freedom and significant ethical challenges.

The Bharatiya Janata Party swiftly condemned the clip, accusing the opposition of resorting to misinformation and disrespect. BJP spokespersons emphasized the video’s deceptive nature, arguing that such AI-generated content can mislead voters and undermine the integrity of political discourse. They highlighted the dangers of weaponizing AI to create fabricated scenarios, urging for greater responsibility in digital campaigning. This incident underscores a growing concern about the blurring lines between reality and digitally manipulated content in the political arena, especially with elections on the horizon.

This viral AI tea-seller clip serves as a stark reminder of the double-edged sword that artificial intelligence represents in modern politics. While AI offers innovative ways for parties to connect with constituents, its potential for creating deepfakes and spreading misinformation poses a serious threat to democratic processes. As political battles increasingly move into the digital realm, the debate over ethical AI use in campaigns is only set to intensify.