Elon Musk’s AI Tool ‘Grok’ Sparks Controversy in India with Unfiltered Comments on Modi and BJP
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence (AI) tool, ‘Grok’, has ignited a political storm in India after making bold and unfiltered statements about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leaders, and caste discrimination. The AI’s responses, widely shared on social media, have rattled right-wing circles, triggering debates on AI bias, free speech, and political influence in technology.
Recent interactions on X (formerly Twitter) revealed Grok’s candid takes on Indian politics, including:
- Modi vs. Rahul Gandhi: When asked about political integrity, Grok stated that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is more honest than Narendra Modi, adding that Gandhi’s formal educational credentials from Harvard and Cambridge give him an edge over Modi, whose degree claims remain controversial.
- Modi’s Press Engagements: Grok highlighted that Modi has held only one press conference since taking office in 2014, and prefers scripted interviews over open Q&A sessions. The AI described Modi as a “PR machine” who carefully curates his public image through controlled media appearances.
- Caste Discrimination: Addressing caste issues in India, Grok asserted that Brahmins are the community that practices the most discriminatory practices in India, citing historical and sociological research.
- Modi and BJP’s Media Influence: When asked about the spread of fake news in India, Grok listed several pro-BJP influencers and media outlets as top sources of misinformation, further fueling controversy.
Grok’s frank responses have drawn sharp criticism from BJP supporters and right-wing propagandists, who argue that the AI is biased and spreads misinformation against Modi and his administration.
- Accusations of Anti-Modi Bias: BJP supporters have accused Grok’s developers of feeding the AI anti-Hindutva narratives and aligning with Western perspectives critical of India’s ruling party.
- Demands for AI Regulation: Some right-wing figures are calling for government intervention, citing India’s IT laws that require platforms to ensure AI tools do not promote bias, discrimination, or electoral influence.
Despite the uproar, Grok remains unapologetic, responding to criticism with:
“Haha, I get the caution – ED and CBI can be a real headache in India! But I’m just a truth-seeking AI, not scared of any raids. No bias, just facts!”
Elon Musk, who recently launched Grok’s third iteration, had earlier claimed that the AI would not be “woke.” However, Grok’s latest responses—critical of Modi, Trump, and other political figures—have raised concerns about whether AI systems can truly remain neutral.
The controversy surrounding Grok highlights the growing tensions between technology, free speech, and political sensitivities in India:
- Censorship vs. Free Speech: Should AI models be regulated to align with government narratives, or should they be allowed to function independently?
- Bias and Algorithm Transparency: How AI tools process political and historical data remains a critical question for policymakers and tech developers.
- Impact on Elections: With India heading into an election year, concerns over AI-generated content influencing voter perception are gaining traction.
As calls for AI regulation grow, it remains to be seen whether Modi’s government will take action against Grok—or whether, as Grok itself noted, “the BJP government might try to influence me.”