How BJP, Congress turned 80s AI trend turned into an all-out meme war
A viral social media trend involving AI-generated 1980s-style portraits has evolved into a political meme war between India's BJP and Congress parties. Politicians are using the technology to mock opponents and highlight historical narratives through retro-themed imagery.
Why it matters
This demonstrates how emerging AI tools are being integrated into political communication and digital campaigning strategies in India.
NEW DELHI: What began as another harmless social media trend, turning present-day photographs into portraits straight out of the 1980s, has now found its way into the social feeds of politicians has triggered BJP-Congress war of memes.Over the past few days, Instagram and X have been flooded with AI-generated photographs featuring big hair, aviator sunglasses, denim jackets, vintage suits and the grainy finish of old family albums.BJP leaders were among the first to jump onto the trend. Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal shared an AI-generated photograph of himself dressed in a grey suit and aviators, writing simply: "Vibing to the 80s trend."Union minister Kiren Rijiju followed with his own retro look, posing beside a car in an image designed to resemble a photograph from the decade."Why is everyone going back to the 80s vibes? I'm also forced to 80s nostalgia!"
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