Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing electioneering in India, with political parties leveraging its capabilities to enhance their campaigns. Since the beginning of the year, BJP, Congress, and other parties have utilized AI-altered content on social media platforms to bolster their political messaging. Here are some notable trends:
**AI Models for Campaigning:** Parties are using AI to create personalized anchors and models to disseminate election promises and connect with voters across linguistic demographics. Digital avatars, like TDP's 'Vaibhavi' and CPI(M)'s 'Samata,' deliver campaign updates in local languages, engaging a wide audience.
**Resurrecting Deceased Leaders:** AI is being used to virtually resurrect deceased leaders such as Karunanidhi and MGR in Tamil Nadu. DMK's AI avatars of these leaders engage with supporters, emphasizing their enduring influence.
**Fake Videos of Opposition Leaders:** Deepfake videos of politicians, including Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi, are proliferating. These videos, often shared by opposition parties, aim to mislead voters and spread disinformation.
**Campaigning from Jail:** AAP used AI to convert Arvind Kejriwal's letters into speech while he was in jail. Similarly, Imran Khan's PTI released AI-generated voice messages during the general elections in Pakistan.
**Politicians Singing with AI:** AI-generated videos depict politicians like Narendra Modi 'singing' popular songs, adding entertainment value to their personas.
**Bollywood Promotions:** Deepfake videos featuring Bollywood actors endorsing political parties are gaining traction. Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh were featured in videos endorsing Congress, employing AI to influence voters.
**Multilingual Communication:** BJP uses voice cloning to dub PM Modi's speeches in multiple languages. Deepfake videos of Manoj Tiwari speaking in various languages demonstrate the party's linguistic outreach.
However, the widespread use of AI in politics has raised concerns. It allows offenders to disown statements, as seen with BJP MP Nirahua's controversial video labeled as 'deepfake.' Fact-checkers have debunked such claims, highlighting the challenges posed by AI-generated content in electoral discourse.
