Critics say the post crosses a line as supporters of Congress say it reflects their right to free speech, making the episode a flashpoint again. (Videograb)
A deepfake video that shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi walking with a kettle and glasses as if selling tea has re-ignited political tensions in New Delhi. The clip was shared by a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, Dr. Ragini Nayak, which sparked sharp outrage from rival camps. The timing has added to the uproar as Parliament’s Winter Session is going on.
The video is not real, but its circulation has stirred fierce debate over respect, intent, and the ethics of political commentary. Critics say the post crosses a line as supporters of Congress say it reflects their right to free speech, making the episode a flashpoint again.
Late last night, Dr. Ragini Nayak posted the video on social media. The clip shows Modi walking around a gathering carrying a kettle and glasses, as though serving tea. This evokes his childhood narrative — Modi had often spoken about helping his father at a tea stall in Vadnagar station, Gujarat.
Soon after the post, many users questioned the clip’s authenticity. But the damage had already begun. The video went viral and sparked outrage from multiple sides. For many, it was not a comment on his past but a disrespectful portrayal in the present context.
BJP leaders reacted strongly. They called the sharing of the AI-generated clip “shameful” and “reckless.” They asked the Congress leadership to condemn the post and demanded a public apology. According to them, using manipulated content to mock a public figure, let alone the Prime Minister, undermines civil political discourse.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla writes on his X post that "After Renuka Choudhary insults Parliament & Sena now Ragini Nayak attacks and mocks PM Modi’s Chaiwala background."
"Naamdar Congress cannot stand a Kamdar PM from OBC community who has come from a poor background. They mocked his Chaiwala background earlier too. They abused him 150 times. They abused his mother in Bihar" he added.
