Punjab BJP Pulls Down AI Video Depicting CM Mann Being Slapped
Punjab BJP removed an AI-generated video showing CM Bhagwant Mann being slapped, triggering condemnation from rivals and a distancing by its own state chief.
The Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday took down an AI-generated video from its official social media handle that showed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann being slapped. The removal came after the clip sparked a political row and drew sharp criticism from rival parties.
The video, which was initially posted on the BJP's Punjab social media account, depicted a synthetic scenario involving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader. The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of an intensifying political rivalry in the state, with the BJP sharpening its attacks on the AAP government ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon moved to distance the party from the post, stating he had not seen the video. "It is not that we want to insult the chief minister. I have great respect for him. If there is any such video, I condemn it," Dhillon said.
Congress leader and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi criticised the use of AI-generated content in political messaging, urging opponents to maintain decorum. "Those who are making and uploading such AI videos are wrong. We will oppose this and everyone should remain within limits," Channi remarked.
Channi also took a swipe at the Mann government's handling of video evidence in political disputes, saying he would oppose any move to declare a genuine video fake after laboratory testing.