Responding to the controversy, Kashyap rejected the allegations and claimed that the viral video was being presented out of context. She stated that the clip did not contain a public statement but was recorded during a private meeting with party workers and supporters, where discussions were focused on the rights of genuine voters and the voter verification process.
Kashyap asserted that no political leader has the authority to add or remove names from the electoral rolls. She said that neither she nor anyone else could have any individual's name added to or deleted from the voter list, emphasizing that the entire process is conducted exclusively by the Election Commission in accordance with the law.
Clarifying her reference to "20,000-25,000 votes," Kashyap said the figure referred only to bogus or illegally registered voters. She maintained that her remarks were exclusively about fraudulent voter registrations and that any individual who had obtained voter registration illegally or was registered as a voter in multiple locations should have those names removed from the electoral rolls. She categorically denied suggesting that genuine voters should be deleted from the voter list.
Kashyap further alleged that the viral video may have been selectively edited or manipulated using artificial intelligence technology. She called for a thorough investigation into the authenticity of the footage to determine whether it had been altered before being circulated publicly.
Meanwhile, Dinanagar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gagandeep Singh confirmed that the administration had taken suo motu cognisance of the viral video and had initiated an inquiry to determine whether the footage was genuine or had been tampered with. He said the administration had also sought an explanation from Kashyap to understand the context of her remarks.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate stated that although no formal complaint had been received regarding the matter, the administration decided to initiate an inquiry on its own. He added that any further action would depend entirely on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring strongly criticised the BJP over the viral video and demanded immediate intervention by the Election Commission. Referring to Kashyap's reported remarks about using the voter verification process to remove 20,000-25,000 votes in order to benefit the BJP, Warring described the statement as deeply disturbing and said it raised serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
Warring asserted that regardless of the BJP's efforts, the Congress would not allow even a single genuine vote to be removed from the electoral rolls. He said every eligible voter has a constitutional right to vote and pledged that the party would safeguard that right.
The Punjab Congress chief also urged the Election Commission to immediately examine the reported remarks and ensure that the electoral process remains free, fair, and impartial.
The controversy has placed the voter verification process under intense political scrutiny, with the administration's inquiry expected to determine the authenticity of the viral video and the context of Kashyap's remarks. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the ongoing political debate surrounding electoral transparency and voter rights in Punjab.
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