Karnataka BJP Criticises Priyank Kharge for Sharing AI-Generated Image and Demands Apology

The Karnataka BJP has accused IT Minister Priyank Kharge of disseminating fake news through an AI-generated image aimed at misleading the public regarding a court order. They demand an apology for his actions, which they claim mock a significant government initiative.

The Karnataka BJP has criticised IT Minister Priyank Kharge for allegedly spreading misinformation. They claim he shared an AI-generated image to mislead the public about a court order related to the prime minister. The image, which Kharge has since removed, was linked to the 2017 Unnao rape case. The BJP demands an apology from Kharge, accusing him of mocking the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative.

Kharge acknowledged that the image might have been AI-generated and shared by mistake. He stated, "Your reputation precedes you, @BJP4Karnataka." The Delhi High Court recently suspended the jail term of expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is serving life imprisonment in the Unnao rape case, noting he has already spent over seven years in prison.

Accusations Against Priyank Kharge

The BJP accused Kharge of spreading fake news despite his role as IT & BT Minister. They alleged he used a malicious image to attack PM Narendra Modi and mislead people about a court decision. The party also claimed Kharge mocked the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, twisting its meaning for political gain.

Further criticism came from the BJP, stating that Kharge ignored facts and misrepresented a court order as a government decision. They highlighted that the relief granted was being challenged by the CBI and not a government action. The BJP argued that Kharge's actions violated his own government's Hate Speech Bill by using communal imagery.

Kharge's Response to Allegations

In response to these accusations, Kharge criticised the BJP for allegedly protecting wrongdoers. He questioned why no action had been taken against those accused under POCSO in Karnataka. He also asked why such individuals are still seen as mentors within the party. "Would you like me to fact check it for you?" he added.

The BJP demanded an unconditional apology from Kharge and called for immediate legal action against what they described as misinformation. They accused him of resorting to lies and communal incitement instead of upholding truth.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between political parties in Karnataka. It underscores the challenges of managing misinformation in today's digital age, especially when AI-generated content can easily be mistaken for genuine information.

With inputs from PTI