The Congress on Thursday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of sharing an AI-generated video purportedly showcasing infrastructure development in Bihar's capital, Patna, and alleged that the clip was removed after social media users questioned its authenticity. 

The opposition party targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the video, claiming it was part of an attempt to project an exaggerated image of development in the state. Congress leaders alleged that the visuals did not accurately represent ground realities in Bihar and accused the BJP of misleading the public through digitally altered content.

The controversy erupted after Congress shared screenshots and clips of the video, alleging that it depicted a highly beautified version of Patna created using AI-generated imagery.

Social media users pointed to several apparent anomalies in the video, including spelling mistakes on signboards, people appearing to walk in reverse, traffic cones placed on an active flyover and a motorcycle seemingly disappearing into thin air during the footage.

Congress accuses BJP of spreading 'fake' development narrative

In a post on X, Congress alleged that the BJP had circulated an AI-generated video under the prime minister's leadership before quietly taking it down.

"Under Narendra Modi's guidance, the BJP posted an AI-generated fake video," the party said.

"The hollow image of the deceitful Modi rests on such lies, but now their fakery won't fly."

To support its claim, Congress posted two videos side by side. According to the party, one clip showed the allegedly AI-generated depiction of Patna's roads and infrastructure, while the other reflected what it described as the "real Bihar".

The party accompanied the comparison with the slogan, "If Modi is there, then there's fraud."

Video disappears from BJP national handle

Congress claimed that the video had originally appeared on the BJP's official national X account before being removed after questions were raised about its authenticity.

A review of the BJP's national handle showed that the video was no longer available there. However, the same clip remained visible on the official BJP Bihar account.

Despite the criticism, the BJP's national account later reposted the video. The accompanying caption read: "Don't be surprised, this is Patna, the capital of Bihar! Where there is BJP-NDA government, there is rapid pace of development..."

According to reports, the clip was reuploaded after opposition parties challenged the authenticity of the visuals and accused the BJP of using AI-generated content to showcase development.

Opposition parties join criticism

The Trinamool Congress also mocked the video, suggesting that Patna had received an "AI makeover" rather than actual development.

Sharing the clip on social media, the party wrote, "More like, सुंदर AI - विकसित AI Isn't it @rsprasad? Patna got an AI makeover before it got actual development under the @BJP4India regime!"

Political outfit Cockroach Janta Party also criticised the BJP over the video and accused it of promoting digitally enhanced imagery instead of real achievements.

In a social media post, the party wrote, "BJP’s main account, followed by 23M people, is now selling an AI/VFX version of Patna as 'DEVELOPMENT'."

The post further stated, "Bihar has a BJP Chief Minister. BJP-NDA runs the state. Still, instead of showing real roads, real drains, real hospitals, real jobs and real public feedback, they are showing glowing fantasy bridges like a video game trailer."

"Development is not CGI. Development is what citizens face after the camera is switched off."