Bhagwant Mann Alleges Deepfake Plot To Tarnish His Image

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has dismissed a viral video linked to him as a fabricated clip, alleging a coordinated campaign by the BJP, Congress and Akali Dal to defame him politically and religiously. Mann claimed the individual seen in the video is not him, pointing to differences in physical appearance and alleging that a mask was used to create the footage. The Punjab CM said an FIR has been filed and vowed to expose those behind the video, while maintaining that he has never challenged the supremacy of Akal Takht Sahib. The controversy has triggered a fresh political storm in Punjab, with Mann accusing the opposition of resorting to "dirty politics" after failing to challenge his government's work on the ground.