Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann denied appearing in a viral video that has circulated across social media platforms [1].
The denial comes as digital misinformation continues to target high-ranking political figures in India. The incident highlights the growing challenge of verifying media in an era of sophisticated digital manipulation.
Mann said that the person in the footage is not him [1]. He characterized the video as a "well‑planned conspiracy" [1]. According to the chief minister, the content was created and distributed specifically to tarnish his reputation [1].
"That's not me," Mann said [1].
The chief minister did not provide specific details regarding the origin of the video or the identity of those he believes are behind the effort [1]. However, he maintained that the footage was a fabrication intended to mislead the public [1].
This incident occurs amid a broader pattern of viral content used to influence political narratives in Punjab [1]. The chief minister's response focuses on the intent to cause reputational harm through the use of fake media [1].
“"That's not me."”
This incident underscores the increasing vulnerability of political leaders to deepfakes or highly edited media. By framing the video as a conspiracy, Mann is positioning the event not as a personal lapse, but as a coordinated political attack, reflecting a wider trend where digital authenticity becomes a central point of political conflict in India.
