Mazar Sharanam Gacchami: Harish Rawat’s AI video sparks political storm in Uttarakhand, BJP-Cong clash intensifies

Dehradun: Politics in Uttarakhand has taken a sharp turn after an AI-generated video of former Chief Minister Harish Rawat was shared on social media. The video, posted from the official account of the Uttarakhand BJP on X, shows Rawat with background audio of "Mazar Sharanam Gachhami.”

The BJP described it as proof of Congress’s appeasement politics. The Congress, however, called it a conspiracy to divide society and hurt religious sentiments.

Harish Rawat broke down in tears during a press conference

The video has become a hot topic in the state. Harish Rawat, visibly emotional, broke down in tears during a press conference. He said the video wrongly portrayed him as a Pakistani spy and accused the BJP of trying to tarnish his image. Rawat went to Nehru Colony police station in Dehradun with his supporters and filed a formal complaint against the BJP. He said the video was not only false but also dangerous, as it played with people’s faith.

BJP spread false claims about him

Rawat explained that this was not the first time the BJP had tried to defame him. He recalled that in 2017, the BJP spread false claims about declaring Friday a holiday for prayers, which hurt Congress’s chances in the elections. In 2022, he said, the BJP again spread lies about setting up a Muslim university. Now, with the use of artificial intelligence, he feels his image is being attacked once more.

AI video as a big blot on his political life

The Congress leader said he has spent 59 years in politics and never faced such humiliation. "I would rather die than be called a traitor,” Rawat said emotionally. He described the AI video as a big blot on his political life. He added that under the Indian Penal Code, Cyber Crime laws, and the Representation of the People Act, such acts of defamation are crimes.

Rawat announced that he will launch a "Nyay Yatra” after January 26. He said he will go to the people directly and ask them to judge him. "If I am a traitor, stone me. If not, punish those who are spreading lies,” he declared.

Video was meant to highlight Congress’s politics of appeasement: BJP

The controversy has also drawn support from the INDIA coalition leaders, who accompanied Rawat to the police station. They said the BJP was misusing technology to mislead voters and damage reputations.

The BJP, on the other hand, has stood firm. Party leaders said the video was meant to highlight Congress’s politics of appeasement. They accused Rawat of playing the victim card. The BJP has also become aggressive in its campaign, seeing the issue as a way to corner Congress ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.

PM Modi himself has said misuse of AI is a global crime

The use of AI in politics has raised wider concerns. Rawat pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has said misuse of AI is a global crime. Yet, in Uttarakhand, his own party is using AI to defame opponents. Experts warn that AI-generated videos can spread quickly, confuse voters, and damage reputations in ways that are hard to control.

AI video has already set the tone for a heated campaign

For Uttarakhand, the controversy is more than just a political fight. It shows how technology is entering the world of elections and campaigns. With assembly polls less than two years away, both BJP and Congress are preparing for a tough battle. The AI video has already set the tone for a heated campaign.

As the case moves forward, the police will investigate Rawat’s complaint. Meanwhile, the video continues to circulate online, drawing sharp reactions from both sides. The coming months will show whether this controversy fades or becomes a turning point in Uttarakhand’s politics. For now, Harish Rawat has chosen to fight back, not just in court but also on the streets, with his Nyay Yatra.