Kiren Rijiju Takes Dig at Congress Over AI-Generated Crowd Post: ‘Can’t Even Fake It Right’

Rijiju Accuses Congress of Using AI-Generated Images to Inflate Ramlila Rally Crowd

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has taken a swipe at the Congress, accusing the party of circulating an AI-generated image to exaggerate the turnout at Sunday’s INDIA bloc rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. The rally was organised as part of the Opposition’s campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Rijiju shared a post on X featuring an image uploaded by Congress MP Vamsi Gaddam and several other party leaders. He alleged that the Congress had used artificial intelligence to create a misleading impression of a packed rally venue.

“Even the fake AI photo to show that Ramlila ground was full is not done properly by the fake narrative team of Congress Party!” Rijiju wrote.

The image was also circulated by Congress supporters and former MP and Congress Working Committee member Jagdish Thakor. Several social media users questioned its authenticity, claiming that it was AI-generated. They pointed to apparent differences in the images of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi on the stage, as well as discrepancies between the depicted stage and the actual rally setup.

BJP calls rally a flop, Congress counters with crowd visuals
The BJP described Sunday’s gathering as a failure, claiming that a substantial portion of the Ramlila Maidan remained empty. Party leaders shared photographs and videos showing vacant chairs and alleged that nearly 40 per cent of the venue had not been filled.

Congress leaders had claimed ahead of the event that around 10 lakh people would participate in the protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

“The Congress said there will be a crowd of 10 lakh, but 40 per cent of the ground was empty,” BJP MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra said on Sunday evening.

Patra also dismissed the crowd visuals shared by the Opposition as “trick photography”, adding that such tactics would not make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister. In response to the BJP’s criticism, the Congress circulated drone footage and other images, maintaining that lakhs of people had attended the rally.

Rahul Gandhi renews attack on CEC
Addressing the gathering, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the 2024 Lok Sabha election was illegal because of what he described as vote theft involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

“This theft of votes is no ordinary theft. This is the theft of every voice of India. This is called treason,” Gandhi said.

He further claimed that Narendra Modi would not have become Prime Minister and Amit Shah would not have become Home Minister without Kumar’s alleged role. Gandhi also asserted that the CEC would “go to jail”.

Patra rejected the allegations, arguing that claims questioning the legitimacy of an election should be raised through the appropriate legal process rather than at a political rally.

“You challenge the elections immediately after the election, not like this… Show me the petition you have filed that 2024 election is illegal,” he said.

Opposition steps up campaign against Election Commission
The Ramlila Maidan rally was part of the INDIA bloc’s continuing campaign seeking the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The Opposition has raised concerns over the Election Commission’s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

A day before the rally, Opposition leaders had also held a symbolic “impeachment” of the Chief Election Commissioner at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected the Opposition’s allegations, accusing it of building a misleading narrative against the poll body.