BJP Responds to Congress’ Mockery of PM Modi with AI-Generated Video

A recent AI-generated video shared by Congress leaders has ignited a political controversy. The video, which depicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a tea seller on an international platform, was shared by Congress leaders Ragini Nayak and Renuka Chowdhury on their social media accounts. This portrayal of PM Modi has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has termed it a derogatory mockery of the Prime Minister’s background. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla quickly responded, accusing Congress of mocking PM Modi’s humble beginnings and targeting his OBC (Other Backward Classes) identity.

The video in question shows a cartoonish representation of PM Modi selling tea at an international venue, which BJP leaders have condemned as an inappropriate and disrespectful portrayal. According to BJP, the Congress party’s attack on Modi’s economic background has crossed a line and could have severe political consequences for the opposition party.

BJP Criticizes Congress for Disrespecting Modi’s Roots

Shehzad Poonawalla, a prominent BJP spokesperson, took to social media to accuse Congress of being unable to accept the rise of an individual from a poor, OBC family to the position of Prime Minister. Poonawalla claimed that Congress leaders felt uncomfortable with the idea of someone from a working-class background becoming the Prime Minister of India. He further added that this frustration has led Congress to mock Modi’s origins, which he believes is an attempt to belittle his achievements.

Poonawalla’s statements went further as he pointed out that Congress members like Renuka Chowdhury and Ragini Nayak were disrespecting Modi’s humble background. He reminded people that these leaders had previously insulted Modi, with Chowdhury mocking him in Parliament and Nayak making derogatory remarks about his background. Poonawalla’s comment was clear: Congress’ ongoing attempts to undermine PM Modi were rooted in their inability to accept the rise of a “working-class” Prime Minister.

Historical Context of Congress’ Criticism of PM Modi

The AI video incident brings back memories of an earlier controversy in 2014 when Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar insulted PM Modi by calling him a “chaiwala” (tea seller). Aiyar’s comment was widely criticized and seen as a misstep for the Congress party. The remark, which belittled Modi’s working-class roots, backfired, as it only helped solidify his image as someone who rose from humble beginnings. Aiyar’s comment was seen as a political blunder that contributed to the BJP’s growing popularity at that time.

Now, with Congress repeating a similar approach in the form of this AI video, BJP sees an opportunity to capitalize on the situation once again. The party has pointed out that every time Congress attempts to make personal attacks on PM Modi, it has backfired. BJP’s narrative portrays Modi as a leader who overcame a poor, disadvantaged background to lead the nation, which has resonated with many Indians.

Congress Faces Backlash for AI Video

The release of the AI-generated video has led to a significant backlash from BJP supporters. Many are accusing Congress of undermining PM Modi’s identity and making mockery of his rise to power. The video shows Modi, who came from a modest background and was once a tea seller, in an exaggerated and caricatured manner. BJP leaders are asserting that this mockery is not just an attack on the Prime Minister, but also an insult to the millions of people who come from similar humble beginnings.

BJP has emphasized that the Congress party, by mocking Modi’s background, is engaging in a form of elitism. They argue that Congress leaders cannot accept the idea of a “common man” reaching the highest office in India, and this is why they resort to such attacks. Shehzad Poonawalla, while commenting on the issue, mentioned that Congress leaders were unable to digest the fact that someone from an “OBC” (Other Backward Classes) background had achieved such success.

BJP Uses the AI Video to Further Its Political Agenda

BJP has been using the incident to further its political agenda, positioning PM Modi as a leader who rose from a disadvantaged background and worked his way to the top. The party has frequently highlighted Modi’s humble origins to appeal to the masses, especially those from working-class and lower-income backgrounds. This narrative has helped PM Modi gain widespread support, particularly among OBC communities, which form a significant portion of India’s population.

By responding to the AI video, BJP is likely to use this moment to remind its supporters of Congress’ previous attempts to undermine Modi’s credibility. It also serves as a reminder to the public that Congress continues to make personal attacks on the Prime Minister instead of focusing on policy issues.

Political Fallout and Potential Consequences for Congress

The timing of this AI video, with Congress mocking PM Modi once again, could prove to be politically damaging for the opposition party. The video not only brings up the 2014 “chaiwala” controversy but also highlights Congress’s continued fixation on Modi’s background. BJP’s narrative has largely been successful in framing Modi’s rise as a triumph of the working class. As such, Congress’ attacks may be seen as further alienating the very communities they are trying to court.

The video’s portrayal of Modi selling tea at an international platform, although meant to be a joke, might reinforce the image of Congress as being out of touch with the aspirations of common people. The video might also give BJP an opportunity to rally voters by emphasizing the working-class narrative, making it harder for Congress to regain ground among those who feel that Modi’s rise represents their own aspirations.

The political exchange surrounding the AI-generated video is another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between BJP and Congress. While the video mocks PM Modi’s background, it also serves as a reminder of the long-standing personal attacks that have shaped the political discourse in India. For Congress, the release of the video may turn into another political misstep, just as Mani Shankar Aiyar’s comment did in 2014. As the battle for public opinion continues, BJP has once again capitalized on the opportunity to portray itself as the defender of a Prime Minister who overcame adversity to lead the country.

For now, the political ramifications of this incident will continue to unfold, with both parties gearing up for the next phase of the electoral cycle. BJP, with its focus on Modi’s image as a leader who represents the common people, is likely to continue using such incidents to its advantage. Meanwhile, Congress must decide whether this approach of targeting Modi personally will help or hinder its efforts to regain political momentum in the coming months.