Tamil Nadu’s 2026 assembly elections have taken an unusual turn. Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), released an AI-generated video that has sparked controversy. The video digitally recreates former Chief Minister and DMK founder C.N. Annadurai, showing him “blessing” Vijay as the rightful heir to the Dravidian movement.
Politics Meets AI: How Tamil Nadu’s 2026 Campaign Signals a New Era of Digital Electioneering
Tamil Nadu’s 2026 assembly elections mark a turning point in Indian politics as artificial intelligence becomes central to campaign strategies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK party has embraced AI-generated videos, digital-first campaigning, and micro-targeted voter outreach to challenge traditional political methods.
While these tools enhance personalization and engagement, they also raise critical concerns about ethics, regulation, and misinformation.
The controversy surrounding TVK’s deepfake of DMK founder C.N. Annadurai highlights both the power and the risks of AI in shaping voter perception, signaling that the balance between innovation and democratic integrity may define future elections in India.
AI Enters the Tamil Nadu 2026 Campaign
In the clip, the recreated Annadurai praises Vijay for understanding the hunger of the working class and positions him as the state’s next Chief Minister. This mirrors Annadurai’s youth-driven rise to power in 1967. For TVK, the symbolism signals that Vijay, a superstar with a large young following, wants to inherit Annadurai’s mantle.
அண்ணாவின் வழியில்… தம்பி விஜய் ஆட்சி! என்று எல்லோரும் சொல்லட்டும்.
“தமிழக வெற்றிக்கழகம் வெல்லட்டும்” pic.twitter.com/jyh4SoxTrz
— TVK IT Wing Official (@TVKHQITWingOffl) September 15, 2025
DMK’s Strong Backlash
The move provoked a strong reaction from the DMK, which considers Annadurai not only its founder but also its ideological core.
DMK leaders accuse TVK of taking their identity and emotional bond with voters by digitally resurrecting Annadurai for a rival party.
The irony is that the DMK used AI last year to bring back M. Karunanidhi during its Diamond Jubilee celebrations, digitally seating him beside Chief Minister MK Stalin as a symbolic blessing of his son’s leadership. This episode shows how AI is rapidly becoming both a powerful and a controversial tool in Indian politics.
Legal and Regulatory Grey Zone
The Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified that AI-generated or digitally enhanced content must be clearly labeled during the Model Code of Conduct to avoid misleading voters. Misleading or unlabeled AI clips can be taken down and penalized.
India currently has no dedicated AI law, leaving only the Information Technology Act 2000 (Sections 66C and 66D) and existing election laws to apply in such cases.
Legal experts note that a disclaimer at the start of an AI video provides some protection to its creators.
Without it, the clip could constitute identity theft or personation, which are punishable offenses. This regulatory gap raises urgent questions about the limits of AI in campaigns.
Expert Opinions on the Ethics of AI Campaigning
Political analysts state that AI has become a regular part of electioneering, but using the likeness of rival party icons crosses ethical lines. Younger, tech-savvy voters may be particularly susceptible to the emotional appeal of such videos, which can spread rapidly on social media.
Cybersecurity and legal experts call for clear, enforceable ECI guidelines and even amendments to the Representation of the People Act to prevent misuse of AI in elections.
Without clear rules, the technology could erode trust in democratic processes by blurring the line between fact and fabrication.
The Broader Context: AI Reshaping Indian Electoral Politics
The Tamil Nadu controversy is not an isolated incident. In Bihar, an AI-generated video involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his mother recently led to an FIR. These incidents indicate that AI is reshaping Indian electoral politics.
Experts and political observers widely agree that AI cannot be banned but must be regulated to protect voters from emotional manipulation and misinformation. As the world’s largest democracy, India now has an opportunity to set a global benchmark for regulating AI in elections.
The political scene of Tamil Nadu is undergoing a digital shift as actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) uses artificial intelligence to drive its 2026 assembly election campaign. This marks a move away from traditional methods, placing AI at the center of election strategy.
TVK’s AI Tools: Deepfakes and Digital Campaigning
AI-Generated Video Campaign
In September 2025, TVK released a controversial AI-generated video showing DMK founder C.N. Annadurai appearing to endorse Vijay and criticize his own party.
The two-minute, 32-second clip digitally recreated Annadurai praising Vijay’s rise from humble beginnings and presenting him as a successor to the Dravidian movement.
The recreated Annadurai stated, “Just like me, an ordinary man who rose to be Chief Minister, you too have come up through hard work,” while accusing the current DMK leadership of prioritizing dynastic politics over public welfare. This was the first major use of deepfake technology in Tamil Nadu’s electoral politics.
Timing and Impact
The video was released shortly before the DMK’s annual event commemorating Annadurai’s birthday to maximize impact. TVK focused solely on attacking the DMK while avoiding criticism of the AIADMK, suggesting a calculated approach to alliances for the 2026 elections.
Digital-First Campaign Infrastructure
Social Media Strategy
TVK has adopted a data-driven, digital-first campaign approach that includes:
- Interactive campaigns on Twitter and Instagram featuring polls, responses to queries, and youth-focused content.
- Targeted messaging to different voter groups based on analytics and data-driven insights.
- Livestreamed events to reach supporters unable to attend rallies.
- Real-time reactions to misinformation to maintain control of its narrative.
Campaign Technology
For the 2026 elections, TVK invested in campaign vehicles with public address systems, LED display panels, and mobile connectivity. These features enable real-time digital engagement during on-ground campaigning.
The Broader AI Shift in Tamil Nadu Politics
AI Adoption by Multiple Parties
TVK’s use of AI has triggered a digital race among Tamil Nadu’s political parties.
In response, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released an AI-generated video featuring social reformer Periyar, signaling widespread adoption of AI as a political tool.
Across India, parties have spent an estimated $50 million on AI-generated content during recent election cycles, including deepfake impersonations of candidates, celebrities, and deceased leaders to create emotional connections with voters.
Behavior. This enables:
- Micro-targeting based on caste, age, and local issues.
- Real-time sentiment analysis at the booth level.
- Predictive analytics to gauge candidate popularity and turnout.
Professional Political Consulting and AI Integration
TVK has strengthened its strategy by bringing on experienced political consultants, including Prashant Kishor as an adviser.
It has also appointed technical experts such as K.G. Arunraj, a former Indian Revenue Service officer, as General Secretary for Propaganda and Policy Development.
Regulation and Ethical Considerations
Election Commission Guidelines
The Election Commission of India now mandates clear labeling of AI-generated content. Political parties must:
- Mark synthetic content with disclaimers such as “AI-generated” or “Digitally Enhanced.”
- Remove deepfake content within three hours of identification.
- Avoid using AI to spread misinformation or disrupt elections.
Tamil Nadu’s AI Policy Framework
The state has introduced a Safe and Ethical Artificial Intelligence Policy that stresses transparency, accountability, and bias-free use of AI systems.
Technology Behind Campaigns
AI Platform Solutions
Indian political technology firms have launched AI-powered platforms offering:
- Predictive modeling for booth-level performance and voter sentiment.
- Dashboards customized for campaign staff.
- Integrated messaging across WhatsApp, SMS, and social media.
Mobile and Digital Infrastructure
TVK uses solar-powered systems, Wi-Fi hotspots, live streaming equipment, and interactive displays in its campaign vehicles to combine sustainability with technology.
Impact on Democratic Communication
AI is changing how political parties communicate with voters. Mass messaging has shifted to personalized, micro-targeted campaigns that adjust content based on audience response. This includes:
- AI tools are creating content in multiple dialects and languages.
- Algorithms adapt messages for different regions and cultures.
- Immediate counter-narratives to opposing campaigns.
While deepfakes raise concerns about misinformation, AI is also used for voter education, explaining voting procedures, candidate positions, and policy proposals.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Election
All major political parties are investing heavily in AI and digital technology for the upcoming elections.
The DMK has partnered with consulting firms like I-PAC and Showtime, while the AIADMK has chosen Pramanya for its digital strategy.
TVK’s use of AI signals a lasting change in election campaigns in Tamil Nadu. Its success or failure may influence political strategies across India and other democracies.
AI offers more personalized voter engagement but also raises questions about authenticity, transparency, and manipulation.
As TVK pushes digital campaigning further, the 2026 elections are set to be a case study on the interaction of artificial intelligence and democratic politics, shaping the future of electoral campaigns worldwide.
Closing Thoughts
The dispute over AI-generated political content in Tamil Nadu highlights a decisive moment for Indian democracy.
The technology gives campaigns new ways to connect with voters, but also risks undermining trust if left unchecked.
As the Election Commission weighs its next steps, the outcome could shape how AI and electoral ethics are addressed globally.
TVK’s Use of AI in Tamil Nadu’s 2026 Election Strategy: FAQs
What Is TVK and Who Leads It?
TVK, or Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, is the political party founded and led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, aiming to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections.
How Did TVK Use AI in Its Campaign?
TVK released a controversial AI-generated video digitally recreating DMK founder C.N. Annadurai, showing him endorsing Vijay as the rightful heir to the Dravidian movement.
Why Was the AI Video Controversial?
It sparked backlash because Annadurai is the ideological icon of the DMK. Many viewed the video as an attempt to hijack the DMK’s identity and emotional bond with voters.
What Message Did the AI-Generated Annadurai Deliver?
The recreated Annadurai praised Vijay’s rise from humble beginnings and criticized the DMK leadership for dynastic politics while presenting Vijay as the next leader of the Dravidian movement.
How Did the DMK Respond to TVK’s Video?
DMK leaders strongly condemned the video, calling it unethical and misleading, since Annadurai is their founder and a symbol of their party identity.
Have Other Parties in Tamil Nadu Used AI Before?
Yes. The DMK previously used AI to digitally bring back M. Karunanidhi for its Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and later recreated reformer Periyar in an AI-generated clip.
What Does the Election Commission Say About AI in Campaigns?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) requires that AI-generated or digitally enhanced content be clearly labeled to avoid misleading voters. Misleading or unlabeled content can be removed and penalized.
Are There Clear AI Laws in India for Elections?
Currently, India does not have a dedicated AI law. Only the Information Technology Act 2000 and existing election laws apply, leaving many grey areas.
What Penalties Exist for Misuse of AI in Campaigns?
If AI content is not labeled and is deemed misleading, it could fall under identity theft or personation, both punishable offenses under Indian law.
What Ethical Concerns Arise from AI Electioneering?
Analysts argue that using the likeness of rival icons crosses ethical boundaries and risks manipulating voters emotionally, especially younger audiences on social media.
How Has TVK Structured Its Digital Campaign?
TVK follows a digital-first approach with interactive polls on social media, targeted messaging through analytics, livestreamed events, and real-time responses to misinformation.
What Technologies Are Used in TVK’s Ground Campaign?
TVK deploys campaign vehicles equipped with LED displays, PA systems, Wi-Fi, and mobile connectivity to engage voters digitally during physical events.
What Role Does AI Play in Voter Targeting?
AI helps in micro-targeting voters based on caste, age, and local issues, along with real-time booth-level sentiment analysis and predictive analytics for turnout.
Who Are the Consultants Supporting TVK’s AI Strategy?
TVK has brought on veteran strategist Prashant Kishor and appointed K.G. Arunraj, a former IRS officer, as General Secretary for Propaganda and Policy Development.
How Much Are Indian Parties Spending on AI Campaigns?
Across India, parties have collectively spent an estimated $50 million on AI-generated content in recent election cycles, including deepfakes and digital impersonations.
What Rules Has the ECI Set for AI Content in Elections?
Parties must label synthetic content as “AI-generated,” remove flagged deepfakes within three hours, and avoid using AI to spread misinformation.
What Is Tamil Nadu’s Stance on AI Governance?
Tamil Nadu has introduced a Safe and Ethical AI Policy emphasizing transparency, accountability, and bias-free AI use in governance and public life.
What AI Tools Are Available for Political Campaigns?
Political tech firms provide AI dashboards for predictive modeling, voter sentiment tracking, and coordinated messaging across WhatsApp, SMS, and social platforms.
How Is AI Reshaping Political Communication?
AI enables personalized, multilingual messaging, real-time counter-narratives, and micro-targeting, but also raises risks of misinformation and erosion of trust.
What Does This Mean for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections?
The 2026 elections may become a case study in AI-driven campaigning, showing both the potential for deeper voter engagement and the dangers of manipulation and blurred realities.
