Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed that his political adversaries, who are struggling to confront the BJP-led administration, are now turning to technology to spread false videos across social media platforms, aiming to stir up unrest.
During his intensive campaign across western Maharashtra, where he spoke at three different rallies, Modi specifically criticized NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar. He referred to Pawar and others as "wandering souls" who instigated a period of political instability in Maharashtra 45 years ago. He also condemned the Congress and its INDIA alliance partners for proposing a scheme to have "five PMs in five years," suggesting that this would lead to national plunder.
At a rally in Karad, Satara district, Modi voiced his concerns about the misuse of social media and technology. He cautioned that there was a plot to orchestrate a significant incident within the next month.
Modi mentioned the creation of fake videos using artificial intelligence (AI) and urged the audience to stay alert. “Adversaries are employing AI to manipulate statements from leaders including myself, Amit Shah, and J P Nadda, leading to societal discord. These individuals are crafting deceptive videos in my voice, posing a threat. Should you encounter any such video, please report it to the authorities,” he advised the attendees.
He reiterated the gravity of the issue, saying, “There are plans afoot for a major event in the coming month. I assert these claims with utmost seriousness. Schemes are being executed to foment social unrest to trigger some misfortune,” Modi stated.
They came after a recent move by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police, who lodged an FIR following a complaint from the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre over an allegedly doctored video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The video was doctored to show that Shah advocated ending all forms of reservations when, in fact, he had spoken of religious quotas in Telangana.
Modi also recalled his commitment and subsequent fulfillment of abrogating Article 370, which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
In response to misinformation about reservations, Modi questioned, “Why were the Dalits and Adivasis in J-K not entitled to reservations? Why was the Constitution not applied there? It was all due to vote bank politics.” By removing Article 370, the constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar was enforced in J-K, allowing Dalit and Adivasi communities to benefit from reservations, he explained.
He criticized the Congress for categorizing Muslims as OBCs overnight in Karnataka, incorporating them into the existing 27 percent quota for that social group, indicating a potential nationwide implementation of this model if Congress were to gain power. “As long as I am alive, I will prevent any amendments to the Constitution and the implementation of religion-based reservations. I am supported by the people,” Modi affirmed.
Addressing wealth redistribution and inheritance tax, Modi accused the Congress of planning invasive property searches and seizures for redistribution among their preferred supporters.
In Pune, without directly naming Pawar, Modi referred to the political unrest initiated by a prominent Maharashtra leader 45 years ago due to personal ambitions, which led to a prolonged period of instability in the state.
“Maharashtra has suffered from political instability for a long time. While these remarks are not personal, there are individuals driven by unfulfilled desires who become obstacles to others,” Modi commented, alluding to Pawar's historical role and his ongoing influence.
Lastly, at a Solapur rally, Modi criticized the Congress for its alleged corruption and its delusions of regaining power, despite clear indications from the initial phases of the Lok Sabha elections that the INDI alliance was already defeated.
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