Assembly elections are scheduled in Bihar later this year, and political parties are trying every tactic to woo voters. Just a few days ago, on the birthday of former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, a fan tried to present him with a picture of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Lalu not only refused to touch the image but left it lying by his feet. When BJP and other NDA parties raised this issue loudly, RJD began to worry about losing its voter base. Now, in a bid to manage the damage, the party is turning to AI.
Tejashwi Yadav’s AI Video Goes Viral
Amid the controversy around Ambedkar, an AI-generated video of Tejashwi Yadav, former Deputy CM of Bihar and RJD leader, has gone viral. The video was shared on the official Twitter (now X) handle of Tejashwi’s office. The post read: “With Baba Saheb’s blessings, a government for the poor will be formed!”
The video features a background song titled “Kranti Ka Naara Hai Jai Bhim” and shows Tejashwi either traveling alongside Ambedkar or bowing in respect. Ironically, this is the same Tejashwi Yadav who, when BJP demanded an apology over Lalu’s viral video, dismissed it as much ado about nothing.
Tejashwi Faces Public Backlash
Following the AI video, Tejashwi has come under fire from the public. Social media users are calling him out and reminding him of the previous incident. One user, Sudhir, wrote on X: “You may fool people with AI, but the Bahujan society in Bihar fully understands the insult to Dr. Ambedkar. Fools often think themselves clever, such is the mindset of the fodder scam king and his dynastic family.”
Another user wrote: “Father insults Baba Saheb, son tries to make himself great through AI.”
Anupam Singh posted: “First crush the image under your feet, then try to win over supporters without an apology; this is the strategy.”
BJP Keeps Up Pressure Over Ambedkar Insult
The BJP has taken an aggressive stance on this issue and continues to highlight the insult to Ambedkar. During its state executive committee meeting in Bihar on July 2, the matter dominated discussions. Three resolutions were passed, including one condemning Lalu Prasad Yadav for disrespecting Dr. Ambedkar. Just days before, BJP had already launched posters across Bihar demanding an apology from Lalu and Tejashwi.
Prime Minister Modi Also Raises the Issue
This matter isn’t limited to local BJP leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally addressed it. While speaking in Siwan recently, he not only criticized the misgovernance during Lalu’s tenure as Chief Minister but also slammed RJD over the Ambedkar insult.
Modi said: “For the sake of their own families, they don’t hesitate to harm millions of families in Bihar. Even Dr. Ambedkar was totally against this kind of politics. That’s why these people insult Baba Saheb at every step.” He continued: “The entire country saw how RJD treated Baba Saheb’s image. Posters in Bihar are demanding an apology, but I know they’ll never apologize, because deep down, they have no respect for Dalits, Mahadalits, or the backward classes. RJD and Congress keep Ambedkar’s picture at their feet, while Modi keeps Baba Saheb in his heart. By insulting him, they’re trying to present themselves as greater than Ambedkar himself.”
PM Modi emphasized that the people of Bihar will never forget this insult.
Why the Dalit Vote is Crucial in Bihar
Preparations for the Bihar Assembly elections are in full swing, and every major party is trying to appeal to the state’s nearly 19% Dalit voters. Out of 243 total seats in the state assembly, 38 are reserved for Scheduled Castes. This clearly indicates that the Dalit vote plays a decisive role in electoral politics. The Ambedkar insult has now become a central political issue, and BJP is using it to full advantage.
The controversy first erupted in December 2024 during the winter session of Parliament, when Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that “these days, invoking Ambedkar’s name has become a fashion.” Shah’s remark was aimed at opposition parties, accusing them of using Ambedkar’s name politically without following his ideals. Opposition parties like Congress and RJD condemned Shah’s statement, labeling it an insult to Ambedkar. Protests broke out in Patna and several other cities across India, further amplifying the issue and making it a hot topic in the electoral narrative.
A Race to Woo Dalit Voters
In Bihar’s political landscape, the race to attract Dalit voters isn’t new but this time, it’s more intense. Congress recently appointed Dalit leader Rajesh Kumar as the President of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee, signaling its intent to deepen its ties with the Dalit community. RJD, too, has long claimed to fight for Dalit rights. On Ambedkar Jayanti in 2025, all major political parties hosted large events that prominently featured Dalit participation and symbolism. These events made it clear: every party wants to be seen as Ambedkar’s ideological heir.
According to BJP sources, the party is now planning to take this issue to the grassroots level. Workers will campaign in individual constituencies, educating Dalit voters about the alleged insult to Ambedkar by Lalu Yadav. The party believes there is real anger among a large segment of the Dalit community and its strategy is to convert that resentment into votes.
The key question now is: Can RJD distract voters with AI-generated videos, or will BJP succeed in turning this controversy into electoral gain?
