Zameer Ahmed Khan Denies Viral Audio, Says AI Tools Used to Sabotage His DCM Prospects

A leaked audio clip allegedly featuring Karnataka minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and Congress leader Mohammed Siraj has triggered a political controversy in Karnataka, with opposition parties and political observers questioning whether internal sabotage affected the recently concluded Davanagere South Assembly by-election.

The audio clip, widely circulated on social media and broadcast by regional media outlets, purportedly captures a conversation about voting patterns in the constituency. In the recording, a voice alleged to be Zameer Ahmed Khan is heard discussing the election result as a matter of personal prestige. Another voice, claimed to be Mohammed Siraj, reportedly refers to “Cooker,” the election symbol of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) candidate Afsar Kodlipete. However, the authenticity of the recording has not been independently verified.

Both Zameer Ahmed Khan and Mohammed Siraj have strongly denied the allegations. Zameer described the clip as an AI-generated fabrication intended to create confusion within the Congress party and announced plans to file a police complaint. Siraj also dismissed the recording as part of a conspiracy aimed at damaging Zameer's political prospects amid discussions surrounding the formation of a new Karnataka cabinet.

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The controversy comes against the backdrop of tensions within the Congress during the Davanagere South bypoll. Several Muslim leaders had reportedly pushed for a Muslim candidate, citing the constituency's demographic profile. However, the party ultimately fielded Samarth Mallikarjun, who won the April 9 by-election by 5,708 votes against BJP candidate Srinivas Dasakariyappa. The victory margin was significantly lower than the party's performance in the 2023 Assembly election.

Following the bypoll, the Congress leadership took disciplinary action against several leaders over alleged anti-party activities. Abdul Jabbar was suspended, while Naseer Ahmed was removed from his role as political secretary to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speculation had also emerged regarding possible action against Zameer Ahmed Khan, though no such move has been announced.

The audio controversy has added a fresh dimension to the political developments unfolding ahead of the swearing-in of a new Karnataka government reportedly led by D. K. Shivakumar. As of now, investigators and political parties have not authenticated the recording, and the claims surrounding the clip remain disputed.

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