29 June,2026 10:17 AM IST | Kolhapur | mid-day online correspondent
Rajesh Kshirsagar rejected the allegations linked to the video and said he had already submitted a complaint to the cyber police. Pic/X
Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar has alleged that a viral video purportedly showing him discussing the payment of a "commission" with a government contractor was fabricated using artificial intelligence (AI), with his voice allegedly dubbed to create a misleading recording, reported PTI.
The video, which has been circulating widely on social media, has triggered political controversy in Maharashtra, prompting the legislator to approach the cyber police and seek an investigation into its authenticity.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Kshirsagar rejected the allegations linked to the video and said he had already submitted a complaint to the cyber police, requesting a detailed investigation into the matter, reported PTI.
He also said his legal and technical team is examining the video and exploring available legal remedies against those responsible for creating and circulating the clip.
"The video has been made using AI, and my voice has been dubbed," Kshirsagar claimed, adding that the viral clip was part of a conspiracy to sabotage his political career.
The Shiv Sena legislator alleged that the video had been deliberately circulated to tarnish his public image and mislead voters by presenting manipulated content as genuine, reported PTI.
During the press conference, Kshirsagar criticised the Opposition, particularly Congress MLC Satej Patil, alleging that political rivals were attempting to exploit the controversy. However, he did not present any evidence linking the Opposition to the creation or circulation of the video, reported PTI.
The Shiv Sena MLA maintained that the matter should be investigated thoroughly so that the authenticity of the video and the identity of those responsible for producing and sharing it could be established.
Kshirsagar said the video clip first went viral on January 14, two days before the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation elections. He pointed out that the Mahayuti alliance went on to secure power in the civic body for the first time following the polls, reported PTI.
The legislator suggested that the timing of the video's circulation was intended to influence public perception ahead of the elections. The cyber police are expected to examine the complaint and verify the authenticity of the video as part of their investigation.
(With inputs from PTI)
