Saurav Das Deletes AI-Generated Quote Attributed to BJP Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia After Ultimatum
A political controversy has emerged on social media after Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das shared an AI-generated image that falsely attributed a controversial remark to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson and advocate Gaurav Bhatia. The fabricated image targeted influencer Swatantra Bharadwaj.
The image falsely attributed a statement to Bhatia that described Bharadwaj as a "dimagi naxal" and claimed he possessed "the poison of casteism." It also falsely claimed that the BJP had no connection with Bharadwaj. Bhatia publicly rejected the post as fake, directly confronting Das over its publication. The incident has highlighted growing concerns regarding the use of AI-generated images in political discourse when fabricated material is presented as genuine social media statements.
Das shared the image through his official X account, and another CJP spokesperson, Ashutosh Ranka, amplified the post by commenting, "Paw paw has disowned the rowdy ones." The post remained online until Bhatia intervened.
Bhatia Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum
Bhatia quickly called out the fabricated image, demanding that Das remove the post and issue an unconditional apology. In a post on X, Bhatia gave Das a 24-hour deadline to delete the material and apologise, warning of potential legal consequences if the demand was not met.
Das subsequently deleted the post and acknowledged that the image he shared had been generated using artificial intelligence. However, the deletion did not fully resolve the dispute.
Bhatia responded that merely deleting the post was insufficient. He noted that the post was removed approximately 83 minutes after his warning but reiterated his demand for an unconditional apology. Bhatia warned that he would approach the police if an apology was not issued, accusing Das of attempting to spread propaganda before removing the material once challenged.
Context of the Swatantra Bharadwaj Controversy
The disputed AI-generated post appeared amidst an ongoing controversy involving Swatantra Bharadwaj and the CJP. Bharadwaj has been facing scrutiny over an alleged assault involving Sanjay Azad, the father of CJP activist Nishu Azad, during protests at Jantar Mantar in June.
The Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the allegations. CJP leaders subsequently demanded action against Bharadwaj, including under provisions relating to attempt to murder and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The controversy intensified after Bharadwaj discussed the incident during a podcast, acknowledging that he attacked Sanjay Azad but maintaining that he acted in self-defence after being attacked by a mob. A video circulating on social media showed Bharadwaj being attacked by a group of people while Delhi Police personnel intervened. Another video showed Sanjay Azad stating that his head injury was caused "unintentionally" while challenging Bharadwaj to a one-on-one confrontation.
AI Misinformation in Political Disputes
This latest development adds a new layer to the dispute, shifting focus toward the presentation of AI-generated content as authentic statements by senior political figures. The incident highlights the challenges of identifying fabricated material as AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated.
While Das has removed the post and admitted the image was AI-generated, Bhatia continues to demand an unconditional apology under the threat of legal action, leaving the broader political dispute unresolved.
