Prashant Kishor Challenges BJP Over Nitish Kumar Deepfake Video Ahead of By-Election

In a dramatic political move, Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraaj, has accused the ruling BJP-led NDA of deploying a deepfake video featuring former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to sway voters ahead of the crucial Bankipur Assembly by-election set for July 30. Kishor, who is making his electoral debut from this urban constituency, has publicly challenged the BJP to authenticate the 58-second video that purportedly shows Kumar urging constituents to support the NDA candidate. In a bold statement, Kishor declared that he would withdraw from the race if the BJP could prove that Kumar genuinely recorded the appeal. He expressed his belief that the electorate in Bankipur has already made their decision, asserting that the video in question is fabricated and generated using artificial intelligence. Kishor's remarks suggest that he believes the BJP is resorting to desperate measures due to fears of losing the election, stating, "The BJP has already lost; the only question now is by what margin." The BJP had released this video as part of its final campaign push, which featured Kumar endorsing their candidate.

In response to Kishor's claims, Umesh Kushwaha, the state president of the Janata Dal (United), dismissed the allegations as an insult to Kumar and an attempt to mislead voters. Kushwaha emphasized that the public is now well-versed in distinguishing between AI-generated content and authentic videos, asserting that Kishor's accusations are rooted in desperation. He further suggested that Kishor's comments stem from anxiety over the potential forfeiture of his security deposit, indicating that Kishor is aware of his likely defeat in the election. The Bankipur by-election was necessitated by the resignation of senior BJP leader Nitin Nabin, who vacated his MLA position after being elected to the Rajya Sabha in April. Bankipur, a stronghold for the BJP located in the heart of Patna, has been represented by Nabin for five consecutive terms, and previously by his father for three terms, making it one of the party's safest urban constituencies in Bihar.