Differences of opinion and sharp attacks have always been a part of political debates in Indian democracy. However, when the means of opposition descend to personal attacks and the use of fabricated modern tools that hurt an individual’s dignity and religious faith, it becomes a matter of serious concern. The incident involving Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav presenting an artificially intelligence-generated video during his press conference on Monday highlights precisely this concern. Using deepfake and AI technology to present a distorted image of a person holding a constitutional office or the head of a religious seat is not merely an attack on a political opponent; it also reflects the decline of probity, basic decorum and ethical boundaries in public life.
AI Deepfakes: The Depths Of Moral Decline | Dr. Anup Mishra
Dr. Anup Mishra argues that AI deepfakes used for political attacks erode dignity, probity and democratic trust, urging parties to uphold truth, decorum and ethical technology use.
Disrespect to Constitutional and Religious Dignity
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is not only an elected public representative and constitutional authority but also the Peethadhishwar (head) of the Gorakshpeeth, a centre of faith for millions of devotees. The Gorakshpeeth holds a special and revered place in India’s saintly traditions and in the hearts of its devotees. Political opposition has its limits. Questioning policies, law and order, development and corruption is the democratic right of the Opposition. But fabricating false images concerning the character and faith of the head of a religious seat through AI technology is a symbol of the declining standards of public discourse.
Yogi Adityanath’s Untarnished Image
The most contradictory aspect of this disgraceful act at the SP office is that it sought to cast mud at a person whose personal and public life has remained as open as a book and untarnished. One may have religious or political differences with him. But whether he appears in his role as Peethadhishwar of the Gorakshpeeth or as the Chief Minister of the state, one cannot accuse Yogi Adityanath of misconduct or a lavish lifestyle. He administers the state with the efficiency and work ethic of a corporate CEO, but his personal lifestyle remains that of a saint or ascetic. The management of the Ram Temple is entirely under an independent trust. Yet, as soon as he received a request from the trust, he constituted an SIT into the donation-related case and ensured that the accused were sent behind bars. Even after this, if someone makes a crude attempt to link Yogi Adityanath with the matter, it can only be described as the depths of moral decline for electoral gain.
It is also important to mention here that, as the Peethadhishwar of the Gorakshpeeth, Yogi Adityanath has overall control of the Guru Gorakhnath Dham. The Peeth presumably receives regular offerings from followers of the Nath tradition living across India and around the world, as well as from other devotees. What, after all, does Yogi Adityanath do with this money, given that he wears simple saffron robes, eats simple food and sleeps on an ordinary bed? Had the SP chief spared even a moment to think about this, he would have thought a hundred times before making such an allegation. He should know that, apart from feeding thousands of people every day, Guru Gorakhnath Dham has for several years been running numerous charitable schools, colleges, universities and hospitals, while continuously working for the upliftment of disadvantaged sections of society. The livelihoods of countless people are connected with the Guru Gorakhnath Temple. You may have political rivalry with Yogi Adityanath, but questioning his lifestyle and integrity can only be described as an expression of mental bankruptcy.
Yogi Adityanath has never appeared willing to compromise on issues concerning public welfare, even when doing so may come at a cost to him. The market principle says that a producer will leave no stone unturned to sell the product it manufactures. Yet the Chief Minister of a state where 55 per cent of the country’s mobile phones are manufactured repeatedly appeals, in his interactions with children, students and young people as well as parents, to maintain distance from smartphones. Without worrying about revenue considerations, he uses his public meetings to make the younger generation aware of the harmful effects of addiction. He has taken on liquor and drug mafias. To portray such a person as being associated with addiction only demonstrates that, after two consecutive electoral defeats, Akhilesh Yadav has lost the will to fight a political battle. What Akhilesh Yadav did at the press conference was something only a tired, defeated and weakened person could have done.
Misuse of Technology and the Threat of Deepfakes
The primary purpose of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to empower society, bring greater transparency to governance and administration, and make everyday life easier. But when political parties begin using this technology to malign the character of their opponents or create misleading narratives, it becomes a direct threat to society and democracy. This incident demonstrates how extensively deepfakes and fake media could be misused in electoral competition and political battles in the future. If senior and responsible leaders themselves begin promoting such material in their official public interactions, it will only increase distrust of technology among the public and deepen hostility within society.
The Need for ‘Probity’ and ‘Decorum’
Indian politics has a rich and golden history in which personal respect and decorum were maintained among leaders despite ideological differences. Political rivalry was never used as a means of personal hostility or to hurt religious sentiments. When leaders at the highest level cross these boundaries for political gain, it sends a negative message to party workers and the general public. Politics is not merely a means of acquiring power; it is also a system through which public figures set an example of conduct for society.
Democracy is not merely a technique for winning elections. It rests on independent thought, impartial information, public trust and citizens' ability to make informed and judicious decisions. Therefore, if AI is used to influence voters' thinking, spread false information, discredit opposing views or artificially manipulate public opinion to win elections, an election may well be technically successful, but it would raise serious questions about the very soul of democracy. As the power of technology continues to grow, so too must our responsibility to use it ethically.
AI may enable elections to be won more swiftly, but democracy can be strengthened only through truth, trust and the exercise of independent judgement. AI is an extraordinary opportunity for human civilisation. It can make education, research, agriculture, healthcare, employment and governance more efficient, transparent and people-orientated. But if this very technology, instead of becoming an instrument of knowledge and development, turns into a weapon of confusion, disinformation, psychological manipulation, and political self-interest, its consequences could be extremely grave.
Political parties must understand that public support is earned by presenting sound policies and a vision for development and by raising issues that concern the people, not by presenting distorted images of political opponents. Advanced technologies such as AI should be used for constructive purposes and to highlight issues of development. Leaders should ensure that the standard of public dialogue remains high so that they can present future generations with an example of healthy, restrained and democratic conduct. Sadly, no one seems to have told Akhilesh Yadav this.
About the Author: Dr. Anup Mishra is a Professor and Economist at DAV PG College, Varanasi. An accomplished academician, his work focuses on economic policy, development economics, and regional economic analysis.
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