AI Fake Image Sparks Political Firestorm in Jharkhand Election

A political controversy is brewing in Jharkhand ahead of the Ghatsila Assembly by-election, centered around a misleading, AI-generated image of BJP candidate Babulal Soren that has rapidly spread across social media.

BJP Points Finger at Political Rivals

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the circulation of the image, alleging it is a deliberate smear campaign designed to mislead voters and damage Soren's reputation. The party has pointed the finger directly at their political opponents, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).

BJP spokesperson Ajay Shah accused the JMM of stooping to "the lowest level of politics" out of fear of losing the upcoming by-poll. "The JMM's IT cell and numerous fake social media handles, sponsored by it, are continuously spreading propaganda against Babulal Soren," Shah stated. He argued that the JMM is resorting to such tactics because of its poor governance record over the past six years. "They are using ‘AI-generated lies’ as a weapon to mislead people because they are unable to contest elections on issues of truth and development," he added.

Calls for Legal and Official Intervention

In response to the incident, the BJP has formally urged the Election Commission and local police to take decisive action. The party is demanding that the individuals responsible for creating and circulating the fake image be identified and face strict legal consequences. Furthermore, they have requested the immediate removal of all defamatory and objectionable posts related to the matter from social media platforms.

FIR Filed as Authorities Take Action

Following the BJP's push for action, an FIR was officially registered at the Ghatshila police station against unidentified persons. The complaint was lodged by Kiran Soren, a magistrate from the Flying Squad Team. The case has been filed under several serious legal provisions, including Section 66C of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, Sections 300, 223, and 356(2) of the Indian Penal Code, and relevant sections of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Police officials have confirmed that an investigation is now underway to trace the origin of the fake post on Facebook. They have issued a warning that strict action will be taken against anyone found to be involved in uploading or sharing the misleading content.

A Precedent-Setting Case for Election Integrity

This incident is particularly significant as it marks the first time an FIR has been filed for an AI-generated fake post since the Election Commission issued new directives to all districts. These directives mandate immediate action against the spread of false or misleading material created using artificial intelligence, highlighting the growing concern over the technology's potential to disrupt democratic processes.