AI Technology Recreates Bal Thackeray's Voice at Shiv Sena UBT Event to Criticise BJP and Eknath Shinde

In a strategic move, the Shiv Sena UBT employed Artificial Intelligence to simulate the voice of its founder, Bal Thackeray. This initiative aims to bolster the party's standing following their poor performance in the assembly elections. The AI-generated speech, lasting nearly 13 minutes, was presented at a gathering in Nashik, Maharashtra. It targeted the BJP and the current Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.

The speech began with Bal Thackeray's iconic greeting: "Jamlelya majhya tamam Hindu bandhavanu, baghinino ani matano," addressing his Hindu brothers, sisters, and mothers. The AI attempt sought to mimic Thackeray's distinctive oratory style. However, it echoed Uddhav Thackeray's criticisms of the BJP and Shinde during recent elections. This marks the first instance of using Bal Thackeray's voice for political attacks by his son's faction.

AI Strategy and Political Context

The AI initiative comes amid preparations for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, anticipated this year. The Sena UBT is part of the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP. Last year's assembly polls were disappointing for MVA, securing only 46 out of 288 seats, with Sena UBT winning just 20 compared to their rival's 57.

State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule criticised the AI effort as a "childish stunt." He expressed disdain on X, stating that when no one listens to them, only a group like UBT would resort to using Balasaheb Thackeray's voice to make their points heard. Bawankule accused Sena UBT of actions contrary to Bal Thackeray’s principles.

Criticism from Political Opponents

Bawankule listed several actions by Sena UBT that he believed contradicted Bal Thackeray’s ideology. He mentioned alliances with those who opposed Ram Mandir and supported Article 370 sympathisers. He also accused them of financial misconduct during COVID-19 and exploiting Marathi households.

He further stated, "I am certain that today, those who called Balasaheb ‘Janab’ named gardens after Tipu Sultan, embraced Rahul Gandhi who insults Veer V D Savarkar, voted against the Waqf board, sat beside those who opposed Ram Mandir... ... supported Article 370 sympathisers, extorted money through the likes of Waze, made deals even in dead body bags, committed scams during COVID, and filled their coffers by looting Marathi households – Balasaheb would have kicked them out."

Bawankule concluded by urging Sena UBT not to misuse Bal Thackeray’s voice against his ideals. He said they have betrayed his thoughts and should refrain from exploiting his voice posthumously.

The use of AI in political campaigns is a novel approach for Sena UBT as they navigate challenging times under Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership. This tactic could become a recurring strategy in future rallies as they seek to regain political ground.