UP Congress chief sparks fury over objectionable remarks on PM, blames AI video

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai sparked a row after a viral video showed him making objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP called the comments indecent and unparliamentary, while Rai denied making them and said the clip was AI-generated.

In Short

• Ajay Rai makes objectionable remarks against PM while visiting rape survivor's home
• He denies making such remarks, claims viral video is AI-generated
• BJP leaders condemn Rai's remarks as unparliamentary, distasteful

A political row erupted in Uttar Pradesh after state Congress chief Ajay Rai was caught on camera allegedly making objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. The BJP hit back, calling Rai's comments “distasteful” and “unparliamentary”. However, Rai rejected making such controversial remarks, claiming the viral video was AI-generated.

The controversy surfaced after Rai visited Uttar Pradesh's Mahoba to meet the family of a NEET aspirant who was allegedly kidnapped, held captive for nearly three weeks and subjected to torture and rape before being rescued by police. During his visit, Rai accused the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh of failing to address public grievances and demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the survivor, along with strict action against the accused.

But, a viral video surfaced online, showing Rai allegedly using abusive language against PM Modi and making objectionable remarks against Mahoba Superintendent of Police (SP) Shashank Singh after local Congress workers complained of alleged intimidation by police. The purported remarks were made when Rai was leaving the survivor's house in a car.

The controversy came months before Uttar Pradesh votes in the Assembly elections next year, potentially adding fresh political heat as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of one of the country’s most closely watched electoral battles.

BJP SLAMS AJAY RAI

Reacting to the controversy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the remarks reflected the “political depravity” of the Congress and described them as indecent and unacceptable.

“The indecent, unparliamentary, and inexcusable remark made by the Uttar Pradesh Congress President regarding the respected Prime Minister @narendramodi ji reveals the political depravity of the Congress. Previously, Congress’s ‘Yuvraj’ (prince) has also introduced his own depravity. The Congress has now reached the pinnacle of desperation, despair, frustration, and mental bankruptcy. Now, they are no longer even in a position worthy of seeking forgiveness from the countrymen,” Adityanath tweeted in Hindi.

BJP MLA Shalabh Mani Tripathi also attacked the Congress, saying the remarks showed a lack of political civility.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya slammed Rai for his objectionable remarks against PM Modi, noting that the latter had wished him good health when he was unwell a few days ago.

Attaching a video of Rai making the comments, Malviya tweeted, "A few days ago, when UPCC chief Ajay Rai was unwell, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had publicly wished for his speedy recovery. But today, the same Ajay Rai was caught on camera using indecent language against the Prime Minister. This is the level of Congress's politics – responding to courtesy with rudeness."

Notably, Rai was admitted to a hospital in Lucknow on May 2 after fainting during a public event due to a drop in sodium levels. The same day, PM Modi publicly wished him a speedy recovery and expressed concern over the sudden news of his ill-health.

AJAY RAI CLARIFIES

Responding to the controversy, Rai told India Today's sister channel Aaj Tak that he did not make any indecent remarks against PM Modi, asserting that the viral video was AI-generated.

He also said he had travelled to Mahoba to meet the NEET aspirant, who was allegedly kidnapped, held captive and raped.

Rai had contested against PM Modi from Varanasi in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and lost by more than 1.5 lakh votes. Rai had also challenged the Prime Minister from the same seat in 2014 and 2019, but was defeated on both occasions.

- Ends
(with inputs from Nahid Ansari)