Chandigarh: The Punjab BJP has deleted an AI-generated video showing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann being slapped inside a classroom, after the post triggered controversy on social media.
The 49-second video, released by the BJP on August 29, was part of the party’s criticism of the Punjab government’s education system and alleged errors in school learning material.
The video begins with AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains standing outside a classroom. A poster inside the classroom displays misspellings such as “Vegitables” instead of “Vegetables” and “Dear” instead of “Deer”.
The video then shows Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal and Bains entering the classroom. A man subsequently appears and slaps Mann, saying that his child is being taught incorrectly and questioning who would be responsible if the child reproduced the mistakes in an examination.
The video ends with Mann, Kejriwal and Bains shown with their heads bowed, followed by a Punjabi message stating that the issue is not about spelling but about the future of children.
The video drew criticism from social media users, who objected to portraying a person holding a constitutional office being slapped. The Aam Aadmi Party also criticised the video, saying that showing a turbaned Sikh being slapped was an insult to Sikhs.
AAP had warned of legal action over the video. Following the controversy, the Punjab BJP removed the post from its social media platform.
