Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Rajmohan Defends Sathyabama, Calls Viral Video AI-Edited
A video about candidate P. Sathyabama spread online during an election.
The video seems to discuss money spent on campaigns.
Minister Rajmohan says the clip was changed using AI and is not reliable.
Another minister also called it fabricated.
Rajmohan said people should check facts before sharing or reporting such clips.
He also criticized insults and comments about Sathyabama’s body.
The video appeared on the day of voting in two by-elections.
The article reports accusations and denials, but does not independently establish whether the video was altered.
Tamil Nadu Information Minister Rajmohan said a viral video attributed to TVK candidate P. Sathyabama was edited and altered using AI.
The clip purportedly has Sathyabama discussing spending Rs 31 crore in previous polls and Rs 16 lakh on recent campaign logistics.
Rajmohan condemned alleged personal attacks and body-shaming, and urged media outlets to verify information before broadcasting it.
Minister Aadhav Arjuna also called the footage fabricated and alleged it was released on polling day to damage Sathyabama’s campaign.
The Dharapuram and Madurantakam Assembly by-elections were held on October 6, 2026, amid horse-trading allegations involving candidates who joined TVK.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Information Minister Rajmohan defended TVK candidate P. Sathyabama; Minister Aadhav Arjuna also rejected the video as fabricated.
- What
- Rajmohan said a viral clip attributed to Sathyabama had been edited and altered using AI.
- When
- The statement was reported on October 7; the by-elections were held on October 6, 2026.
- Where
- The by-elections were for the Dharapuram and Madurantakam Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The ministers said the clip was fabricated or politically motivated; Arjuna alleged it was circulated to harm the TVK candidate.
Ministers’ response
Criticism and allegations
Authenticity of the video
Ministers’ response
Rajmohan said the clip was chopped, edited and altered using AI; Aadhav Arjuna called it an AI-generated fabrication.
Criticism and allegations
The clip purportedly shows Sathyabama discussing campaign spending. The article also reports criticism of her party switch and horse-trading allegations, but does not provide an independent verification of the clip.
Purpose and timing of circulation
Ministers’ response
Arjuna alleged that the clip was released on polling day as a smear campaign intended to derail the TVK candidate.
Criticism and allegations
The article reports that MK Stalin had criticized Sathyabama over her move to the ruling party, but does not include a response from the DMK to Arjuna’s claim about the clip.
- Candidate
- P. Sathyabama, nominated by TVK for Dharapuram
- Minister defending candidate
- Tamil Nadu Information Minister Rajmohan
- Other minister quoted
- Aadhav Arjuna also dismissed the footage as fabricated
- Video claims
- The clip purportedly refers to Rs 31 crore in previous poll spending and Rs 16 lakh on recent campaign logistics
- Polling date
- October 6, 2026
- Constituencies
- Dharapuram and Madurantakam
- Political dispute
- The candidates’ moves from AIADMK to TVK drew horse-trading allegations