Delhi Polls have turned into a digital battleground, with political parties using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize their election campaigns. From AI-generated visuals and videos to creative posters and sharp jibes, both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are leveraging technology to amplify their narratives and target opponents.
The AAP, under its supremo Arvind Kejriwal, has creatively branded its leader as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) and “Delhi ka Beta” (Son of Delhi). On the other hand, the BJP has launched a counter-offensive, labelling Kejriwal as the “Original Mahathag” (master conman) through AI-driven posters and videos.
How AI Is Shaping Campaign Strategies?
AI has become a central tool for crafting compelling political narratives in the Delhi Assembly elections. The technology is being used to:
- Create Visual Narratives: AI-generated posters and videos are helping parties portray leaders and policies creatively.
- Target Opponents: Parties are using AI to reimagine movie scenes, memes, and taglines to deliver biting critiques of their rivals.
- Engage Voters: AI content is flooding social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), grabbing voters’ attention with dynamic and interactive visuals.
AAP’s Creative AI Campaigns
The AAP has taken a bold approach to leverage AI in its election strategy. Some notable highlights include:
- “Delhi ka Beta” Campaign: A video reimagined a scene from Amitabh Bachchan’s Baghban to portray Kejriwal as the caring “Son of Delhi.”
- AI-Generated Policy Promises: Atishi was featured in a clip praising Kejriwal’s promise to provide a monthly allowance of ₹18,000 to temple priests and granthis of gurdwaras. The video emphasized the tagline “Chunao Khatam, Vada Khatam” (Promises end after elections), targeting rival claims.
- BR Ambedkar Tribute: An AI-generated video showed Kejriwal bowing before a statue of BR Ambedkar, accompanied by the line, “Apna Apmaan Seh Lenge, Par Apka Nahi” (We can endure insults to ourselves, but not to you).
BJP’s Aggressive Counter-Campaign
The BJP has responded with an equally sharp and tech-savvy campaign, using AI to craft memorable critiques:
- “Original Mahathag” Posters: Kejriwal was depicted as a “master conman” in various posters, including one with the tagline “Farzi Voters Se Ishq Hai” (He loves fake voters).
- Movie-Inspired Jibes: AI modified Kejriwal’s face onto Chhota Pandit from Bhool Bhulaiyaa with the tagline “Chunavi Hindu.”
- Policy Critiques: The BJP used AI to label Kejriwal’s promises as “chunavi jhulma” (election gimmicks), questioning their authenticity and sustainability.
Social Media As A Battleground
Platforms like X have become a central stage for the AI-driven campaigns. Both parties are deploying:
- AI-Generated Clips: Short videos with catchy slogans and sharp messages.
- Meme Warfare: Creative content targeting rival parties, often reimagining movie scenes and popular culture references.
- Interactive Content: Dynamic visuals that engage voters while highlighting key issues like education, health, and public infrastructure.
Basic Issues With A Creative Twist
Despite the tech-heavy approach, core voter concerns remain central to campaigns. Both parties are focusing on issues such as:
- Education: Promising better schools and reforms.
- Healthcare: Highlighting free clinics and hospitals.
- Infrastructure: Assurances of improved water supply, roads, and public transport.
The twist lies in how these issues are framed using AI, with each party claiming they will deliver and warning that the rival will take these benefits away.
Targeting Congress Amid A Two-Way Fight
Though the contest is largely between the AAP and BJP, Congress has not been spared. AAP released a video with the tagline “Congress Hogi Dilli Mein Lapata” (Congress will vanish in Delhi), mocking its zero-seat outcome in the last elections. AAP MP Sanjay Singh’s remarks were highlighted in AI-generated visuals, earning him the nickname “Savage Singh.”
What AI Brings To Election Campaigning?
The use of AI in the Delhi polls represents a new era of political campaigning:
- Enhanced Creativity: AI enables parties to craft innovative content that captures attention.
- Cost Efficiency: AI-generated visuals are faster and cheaper to produce than traditional ads.
- Broader Reach: Social media platforms amplify AI content, ensuring it reaches diverse voter groups.
- Data-Driven Insights: AI can help parties analyze voter behavior and tailor their campaigns accordingly.
Voter Response To AI Campaigns
While the AI-driven campaigns have generated buzz, voter response remains mixed:
- Positive Engagement: Many voters appreciate the creativity and humor in the campaigns.
- Skepticism: Some view the AI content as a distraction from real issues, questioning its authenticity.
- Increased Awareness: The campaigns have succeeded in keeping political debates alive, drawing attention to key policies and promises.
As Delhi heads to the polls in February, the use of AI Campaigns has added a new dimension to the political battle. The creativity, sharp targeting, and interactive nature of AI-generated content are reshaping how parties connect with voters, making this election a fascinating case study in the evolving intersection of technology and politics.