SHILLONG, July 26: In a high-tech escalation of Meghalaya’s political rivalry, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Sunday denounced a viral social media post claiming candidate Batskhem Myrboh has withdrawn from the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election. The party labeled the image an “AI-generated” fabrication intended to sabotage its campaign.
Myrboh asserted that the image, which purportedly shows him announcing a decision to quit the race, was created using artificial intelligence. To support his claim, he pointed to visible inconsistencies in the photograph, specifically the clothing and footwear. Myrboh noted that the sweatshirt featured in the post does not belong to him and is an item he has never worn. While the VPP candidate did not name specific individuals or parties, he attributed the post to unnamed political opponents, claiming such tactics are employed when rivals find it difficult to compete electorally.
“Some political actors consider winning elections their highest priority and resort to unfair means to influence public opinion,” Myrboh said, describing the use of fabricated content as an unfortunate development in local politics.
This is not the first time the VPP has faced digital misinformation. Myrboh recalled a previous instance where a fake image suggested the party would support the BJP at the Centre.
Confirming that his political plans remain unchanged, Myrboh dismissed the viral post as a total fabrication.
