When the BJP Karnataka X Post shared an AI-generated image of Amit Shah holding a cauliflower beside a milestone, saying Naxalism Rest In Peace, the internet went wild with outrage. A harmless idea online rapidly developed into a significant political issue. It wasn’t just people expressing distaste for the strange AI art being released. The protestors used a disturbing allusion to the 1989 communal killings in Bhagalpur. This wasn’t just a silly post on social media; many believe it was done to use history for political purposes. As a result, people are confronting the question: How do we tell the difference between satire and hate speech in a meme?
Outrage Erupts Over BJP Karnataka X Post Featuring Amit Shah and Cauliflower
The BJP Karnataka X Post is facing criticism after it released an AI-generated picture of Union Home Minister Amit Shah with a cauliflower. Next to him in the photograph: a sign with “Naxalism Rest in Peace” on it. What was once noticed as political symbolism is now objected to because of its more sinister meaning. Almost immediately, critics said that Mr. Shah’s post linked to the 1989 massacre in Bhagalpur, in which cauliflowers were planted at the scene of Muslim killings. Many criticize the post for appearing to praise violence and revive the pain that national communities went through during Operation Kagar.
The Horrifying History Behind the “Cauliflower” Reference
To those unfamiliar with the background, cauliflower appears strange, but for those with Indian communal knowledge, it’s a powerful reminder. In the Logain village at the Bhagalpur riots of 1989, Muslims suffered the deaths of 116 people. So the massacre would not be found, their bodies were buried, and cabbage and cauliflower seeds were put in the ground on top of the site.
Because of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement run by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the violence took the lives of over 1,000, 93% of whom were Muslims, displaced thousands, and killed the local Muslim-led silk industry. Because of this, carrying a cauliflower by a national leader isn’t just about bad public relations. It is seen as a call to those who support Hindu nationalism, giving them pride in the country’s violent past instead of making them feel sorry.
Social Media Reactions to the Amit Shah Cauliflower Post (BJP Karnataka X Post)
The connection between Amit Shah and a cauliflower has badly upset civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians. A Bengaluru lawyer, Vinay K. Sreenivasa, said it was both disgusting and un-Indian and accused the Bengaluru police of hate speech.
Lawyer Arya tweeted: “I can’t believe someone had the nerve to mock the shootings with a meme about cauliflower.” The post by the BJP Karnataka goes against justice and humanity.
CPIML Liberation’s Clifton D Rozario says the post violates the principles of our Constitution and democracy. Also, Alishan Jafri, a journalist, commented, tweeting: “It’s obvious Bhagalpur 1989 is what inspires this cauliflower. That’s not just ignoring those who suffered back then—it’s trying to stir up violence.”
Operation Kagar and the Normalization of Extrajudicial Violence
The BJP Karnataka X Post says it has won by completing Operation Kagar against the Naxals. From the photo, we can see that CM Kejriwal appears to be claiming this victory as the end of Naxalism.
To many people, this party applauds extrajudicial murders, which human rights groups and opponents oppose. In response, the CPI(M), CPI, and CPIML Liberation said the killings were “cold-blooded” and “inhumane.”
Connecting the Rafiganj incident with the Bhagalpur massacre through unobvious images makes the post both provoke anger and make readers start thinking about what the government stands for concerning violence, laws, and justice.
Coded Hate Speech and the Dangers of AI Propaganda (BJP Karnataka X Post)
Although the BJP Karnataka X Post doesn’t refer to Muslims or Bhagalpur, many critics think that is exactly the point. Political accounts speak in code to suggest hate speech, while still claiming they are not promoting it.
It becomes even more disturbing with the addition of AI-created images. Because of AI, the masses can see and share hateful narratives more easily. Demands for better regulation of AI items and more severe social media guidelines are increasing.
The Amit Shah Cauliflower Post isn’t only an overused political meme. It’s carefully planned content that contains dark references from the country’s past. And further released by a major political account online with many followers.
Rather than poor judgment, this uncovers a clear way for politicians to use history, technology, and symbols as tools for spewing encoded criticism. With anger spreading, a lot of people are calling for both the BJP Karnataka and the hosts of online hate content to be held accountable.
