The Election Commission of India (ECI) has fact-checked and strongly refuted a video circulated by the Congress party, alleging that it was AI-generated and a deliberate attempt to mislead voters. The poll body asserts that the video, posted on social media platform X, is "not real" and aims to confuse the people of Bihar. This action by the ECI underscores the growing concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence to spread misinformation and influence public opinion, particularly during electoral periods.

The dispute arose after Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, leveled accusations of "vote theft" against the ECI. In an August 7 press conference, Gandhi presented what he claimed was Congress's research on voting irregularities in the Mahadevapura Assembly in Karnataka, alleging the theft of 100,250 votes. He launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the ECI, suggesting a "collusion" between the two that secured Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term. The ECI has demanded an apology from Gandhi if he cannot provide an undertaking backing his allegations.

The ECI has emphasized the transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral roll preparation process, stating that political parties are involved at all stages and are given ample opportunity to raise objections. The poll body clarifies that physical and digital copies of draft electoral rolls are shared with all political parties and made available on the ECI website for public scrutiny. A one-month period is provided for filing claims and objections. The ECI also noted that some parties did not ask for corrections in time.

This incident highlights the increasing challenges electoral bodies face in combating disinformation in the digital age. With the rise of sophisticated AI technologies, the creation and dissemination of misleading content have become easier, posing a significant threat to the integrity of elections. The ECI's proactive approach in fact-checking and calling out the Congress party's video demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the electoral process from manipulation.

The controversy also underscores the ongoing debate about the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the voting process. Opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns about the potential for tampering and have called for greater transparency in the use of technology in elections. The ECI has consistently defended the integrity of EVMs, asserting that they are tamper-proof and subject to rigorous security protocols.