As the Delhi elections approach, political parties have taken their campaigns to the next level with a fierce meme war. Leveraging technology and social media, parties are flooding platforms with witty, targeted content aimed at swaying voters and gaining an edge in the high-stakes electoral battle.

BJP vs AAP 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has labelled AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal as “Ghoshna Mantri,” mocking his frequent promises.

In response, AAP has retaliated by branding the BJP as “Gali Baaj Party” (party of abuses). AAP has particularly focused on BJP’s Kalkaji candidate Ramesh Singh Bidhuri, highlighting his controversial “hirni” (doe) remark against Chief Minister Atishi, which AAP has condemned as derogatory and anti-women.

AAP released a satirical AI-generated video featuring Bidhuri and Amit Shah in a “Gaali Championship,” humorously portraying Bidhuri as the undisputed winner in delivering insults, even surpassing other BJP leaders.

In another video, AAP states, ‘BJP walon, kaan khol kar sun lo, Dilli walon ka vote bikau nahi hai,’ where BJP candidates are allegedly giving out money to buy votes.”

In its attempt to oust AAP from power, the BJP has launched a series of posters branding AAP as “Chunavi Hindu”.

The BJP has also criticised AAP’s Mohalla clinics through a parody of a Bollywood song, claiming they remain shut while liquor shops flourish and the Yamuna River deteriorates.`

BJP has also released a video with #JhuthiAAP, stating, “AAP-da ki meeting ka video hua leak, Dekhiye AAP-da ka secret plan.”

Congress Joins the Meme Battle 

After failing to secure a seat in the 2015 and 2020 Assembly elections, Congress is striving to regain relevance with sharp satire in the form of memes and AI-generated videos. A notable Congress post depicts a razor blade labelled “GST,” accusing the BJP-led central government of being a “pocket maar sarkar” (pickpocket government).

Congress has also launched an AI-generated video titled “Fekne Mein Vishwa Vijeta,” which humorously presents an Olympic-style competition where contestants compete in making exaggerated claims. The video ends with a jab at BJP, featuring a participant declaring, “Mitron, fekne se mera poora nata hai,” a dig at BJP’s election rhetoric.

AAP has also launched digital counterattacks targeting both the BJP and Congress, alleging that the latter has been reduced to mere pawns in the electoral game orchestrated by BJP leader Amit Shah.

In response to BJP’s criticism of Mohalla clinics, AAP released another Bollywood song parody, claiming that Delhi’s citizens reject BJP’s lies and have repeatedly kept the party out of power.

Election Commission’s Response to AI-Generated Content 

The surge in AI-driven election content has prompted the Election Commission of India to intervene. On January 12, it directed all recognised political parties to clearly label such campaign materials as “AI-generated, digitally enhanced, and synthetic content.” The move aims to ensure transparency and prevent misinformation from influencing voters.

Delhi is set to go to polls on February 5, with results to be declared on February 8. As the digital meme war continues to escalate, parties are leaving no stone unturned in leveraging technology to sway public opinion and secure voter support.