Odisha BJP accuses BJD of using AI to spread misinformation ahead of Nuapada by-poll

Bhubaneswar, Nov 8 (UNI) The Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spread misinformation on social media ahead of the upcoming Nuapada Assembly by-election.

BJP Odisha Vice-President Jatin Mohanty, addressing the media on Saturday, alleged that the BJD, “gripped by fear of certain defeat,” has resorted to unethical digital tactics to mislead voters.

Leading a party delegation, Mohanty submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, demanding strict action against the BJD under the provisions of cyber law.
“The BJD has gone a step further by misusing Artificial Intelligence to create confusion among voters,” Mohanty claimed.

Referring to the 2024 general elections, Mohanty reminded that the BJD leadership, including Naveen Patnaik, had earlier blamed the BJP’s social media campaign for their defeat.
“However, the BJD itself has now resorted to the same false propaganda it once criticised,” he said.

According to the BJP, the BJD allegedly circulated AI-generated fake images of BJP State President Manmohan Samal and Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sahu on Facebook to influence public perception during the Nuapada by-poll campaign.
Terming the act a “punishable offence,” Mohanty demanded legal action against those responsible.

BJP State Spokesperson Satyabrata Panda also lashed out at the BJD leadership, questioning Naveen Patnaik’s silence.

“It is shocking that the former Chief Minister, who once spoke about maintaining decency in politics, is now silent while his party spreads AI-generated fake photos to win votes.
Why is Naveen Babu acting deaf and dumb?” Panda asked.

The BJP delegation urged the Election Commission to take immediate and strict action under cyber laws to ensure a free and fair election.