Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai on Saturday, 23 May dismissed a widely circulated video showing him making objectionable remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an 'AI-generated fake,' even as an FIR was lodged against him in connection with the footage. The controversy erupted during Rai's visit to Mahoba, where he had gone to express solidarity with a Dalit gang-rape victim.

The Viral Video and FIR

In the video that spread rapidly across social media, Rai is seen making remarks described by critics as highly objectionable while waving to a group gathered to see him off. An FIR was filed against Rai on a complaint by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and advocate Neeraj Rawat. The case also names outgoing secretary Brijraj and 30 unidentified supporters who were present with Rai during the Mahoba visit.

What Rai Said

Responding to the FIR, Rai maintained that the footage was fabricated to deflect attention from the Mahoba assault case. 'I would only like to say that the Mahoba incident is a very sensitive issue. A Dalit girl was raped continuously for 16 days by several people... Where were the government and the police?... Today, to raise the issue of that girl, fake AI-generated videos are being circulated against me,' he said.

He added defiantly: 'You may file ten cases against me, but give justice to that Dalit girl. That is my demand. For raising such an issue, if anyone wants, they can spread as many AI-generated videos as they want, file as many FIRs as they want.'

The Mahoba Rape Case

The case at the centre of the political storm involves a 25-year-old woman from Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district, who had relocated to Mahoba to prepare for the NEET examination. She was allegedly kidnapped, drugged, tortured, and gang-raped over 16 days before police rescued her from Prayagraj, according to officials. Three accused have been arrested so far, with searches for others ongoing.

BJP's Reaction

The BJP moved swiftly to condemn Rai's remarks, accusing the Congress of running what it called a 'third-rate nafrat ki dukaan.' Party leaders described the UP Congress chief's comments about the Prime Minister as 'unforgivable.' The incident has sharpened the political divide in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Congress Pushes Back

Rai, in turn, defended the Congress party's on-ground outreach, citing Rahul Gandhi's recent tour of Raebareli in near-48-degree temperatures. 'Our workers go everywhere where any wrongdoing happens... Yesterday, Mahoba's temperature was 48 degrees, but we still went there,' he said. He also expressed confidence in Congress's organisational preparations across all Assembly constituencies for 2027. The row underscores how the Mahoba case has become a flashpoint in an already charged political environment in the state.