Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers gathered outside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office at Sheetla Mata Mandir, Mai Heeran Gate, in Jalandhar on Saturday to protest an alleged objectionable video of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann that went viral on the internet.
Protest Details
The protest occurred on the same day as BJP national president Nitin Nabin's scheduled visit to Jalandhar. AAP workers, holding placards and engaging in intense sloganeering, accused the BJP of spreading an AI-generated video to defame the Chief Minister. Heavy police deployment was observed as a large number of protesters gathered outside the BJP office as part of statewide demonstrations.
AAP's Allegations
AAP district president Amritpal stated, "Punjab and its people cannot be divided over religion, even if such divisions occur in other states. Amid reports of an internal alliance between the BJP and Akali Dal, AI-generated videos targeting the CM are being shared because they have run out of other issues. The video has been analyzed from 1,100 angles, proving that the man in it is not the Punjab CM."
AAP leader Chander Grewal added, "Since the BJP has no other issues to raise, they are spreading falsehoods about the Punjab CM. We are here to protest against the AI-generated fake video aimed at tarnishing his image."
Response to Akal Takht Declaration
Notably, the Akal Takht, based on the video and its forensic examination, recently declared CM Mann 'Guru Dokhi' (anti-Guru) and 'Khalsa Panth virodhi' (anti-Khalsa Panth). In response, AAP shared forensic reports claiming the person in the video is not the Punjab CM. However, both AAP leaders refrained from criticizing the Akal Takht or its acting Jathedar Gyani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj.
Grewal remarked, "Akal Takht is the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs and the state's most revered body. We have nothing to say against it. However, everyone has the freedom to present their side of the story."
Broader Context
The protest highlights the ongoing political tensions in Punjab, with AAP accusing the BJP and Akali Dal of using AI-generated content to defame the Chief Minister. The party has called for forensic verification and urged the public to reject such divisive tactics.
