Digital or Reality? Bhagwant Mann’s Viral Video Controversy

New Delhi, January 16, 2026: The political and social landscape of Punjab was recently stirred by the visit of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs. During this visit, a formal clarification was sought regarding a viral video that had been circulating widely across social media platforms. The footage in question appeared to show the Chief Minister in a controversial state, leading to intense scrutiny from political opponents and the public alike. It is observed that the sanctity of the religious site was used as the backdrop for a major defense against these digital allegations.

The Defense of Artificial Intelligence

The viral video was dismissed by Bhagwant Mann as a sophisticated product of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It was claimed by the Chief Minister and his supporters that deepfake technology was utilized to manipulate his appearance and actions in the footage. This defense was presented to the religious leadership to emphasize that the video was a malicious attempt to tarnish his reputation and disrespect the dignity of his office. It is argued that such digital fabrications are becoming a dangerous tool in modern political warfare, intended to mislead the masses through realistic but false imagery.

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Reactions from Religious and Political Circles

A mixed response was generated within the religious and political circles of Punjab following this explanation. While some supporters of the Chief Minister called for an investigation into the source of the alleged deepfake, critics remained skeptical of the AI-generated claim. It was noted by several observers that the authenticity of the video had not yet been independently verified by forensic experts. The Akal Takht leadership was urged by various groups to ensure that the truth is uncovered, as the incident involves both the personal conduct of a leader and the respect of a holy institution.

The Growing Threat of Deepfakes in Politics

This incident has highlighted the growing challenge faced by public figures in the era of advanced digital manipulation. It is suggested that the ease with which AI can be used to create deceptive content poses a significant threat to the democratic process. The “AI-generated” defense is increasingly being used by politicians globally to counter damaging footage, making it difficult for the public to distinguish between genuine errors and digital hoaxes. It is believed that stricter regulations and better forensic tools are needed to handle such controversies in the future.

Awaiting Technical Verification

As the controversy continues to unfold, the focus has shifted toward a technical audit of the video to confirm if it was indeed manipulated. It is reported that the Punjab government is considering a formal probe to identify the creators of the footage if it is proven to be a deepfake. For now, the statement made at the Akal Takht stands as the official position of the Chief Minister. The outcome of this digital dispute is expected to set a precedent for how viral controversies are managed by the state’s leadership moving forward.