Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka BJP has hit out at IT Minister Priyank Kharge, accusing him of spreading fake news by circulating a "malicious AI-generated image" to attack the prime minister and mislead the public about a court order.

They also accused Kharge of mocking the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative and demanded an unconditional apology from him.

Kharge has since deleted the post with the image in question, which referred to the 2017 Unnao rape case.

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He said that while the image in the post may have been AI-generated and was shared due to an inadvertent oversight, "your reputation precedes you, @BJP4Karnataka".

The Delhi High Court recently suspended the jail term of expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is serving life imprisonment in the Unnao rape case, saying he has already served seven years and five months in prison.

The Karnataka BJP claimed that the self-proclaimed "fact-checker" Priyank Kharge was caught spreading fake news.

"Despite holding the IT & BT portfolio, he circulated a malicious, AI-generated image to attack PM @narendramodi and mislead the public about a court order," it said.

"He shamefully mocked the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative -- a crucial scheme for empowering India’s daughters -- using lies to twist its meaning for cheap politics," the BJP alleged.

Accusing Kharge of ignoring facts, the BJP further hit out at him, saying the relief was a court order, which the CBI is challenging, and not a government decision.

"His (Kharge) post violates his own government's Hate Speech Bill by using communal imagery to ridicule a judicial process. Instead of upholding the truth, Priyank Kharge resorts to lies and communal incitement. We demand an unconditional apology and immediate legal action against this misinformation," a post by the state BJP on Friday said.

Reacting to the post, Kharge slammed the party, accusing it of continuing to honour and shield perpetrators.

"The larger issue remains: the BJP continues to honour and shield perpetrators. Why has no action been taken against the POCSO accused in Karnataka? And why is this leader still projected as a mentor and a 'guiding light’ for your party? Would you like me to fact-check it for you?” he added.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India’s younger generations Gen Z and Gen Alpha will play a decisive role in leading the country towards the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), as the government frames policies with a focus on youth empowerment.

According to a report published by NDTV, addressing the Veer Baal Diwas programme at Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister said he places immense faith in the competence and confidence of the youth. “This is the generation that will take India forward. I see their ability and self-belief, and that is why I trust them”.

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Quoting the adage, PM Modi explained that even if a child speaks wisely, it should be accepted, meaning that greatness is not defined by age but by deeds and achievements. He underlined that young people can accomplish tasks that inspire others, and many have already demonstrated this.

However, he stressed that these achievements should be seen only as a beginning, as there is much further to go, with dreams to be taken to the skies.

The Prime Minister said today’s youth are fortunate to grow up in an environment that encourages ambition, unlike earlier times when despair discouraged even dreaming. He remarked that today the country seeks out talent, provides platforms, and aligns the strength of 140 crore citizens with their aspirations.

He highlighted that with the success of Digital India, the youth have the power of the internet and resources for learning, with missions like Startup India for those pursuing science, technology, and entrepreneurship, and Khelo India for those advancing in sports. He also referred to his recent participation in the Sansad Khel Mahotsav as an example of expanding platforms for youth development.

Cautioning against the lure of short-term fame, the Prime Minister urged young people to remain focused and principled. He encouraged them to draw inspiration from great personalities and ensure that their personal success contributes to national progress.

Modi further said platforms like Mera Yuva Bharat aim to connect young people, nurture leadership skills, and provide opportunities across sectors. He stressed that youth are central to every major national effort from space, economy and manufacturing to fintech, sports, skill development, and internships.

On the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 9th January 2022, the Prime Minister had announced that 26th December would be observed as 'Veer Baal Diwas', to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose unparalleled sacrifice continues to inspire generations.