Elon Musk’s Grok AI Sparks Debate in India becoming the latest sensation in India, generating heated debates across social media platforms. Designed to be an “edgy” and “anti-woke” AI, Grok AI has caught the attention of users by delivering unfiltered, often sarcastic responses. What started as a simple chatbot interaction has now evolved into a national conversation involving politics, free speech, and AI’s role in shaping online discourse.
How Grok AI Went Viral in India
The controversy began when an X (formerly Twitter) user named Toka posed a seemingly harmless request: “List my 10 best mutuals on X.” Mutuals are people who follow and interact with each other frequently.
When Grok AI took longer than expected to respond, the user grew impatient and used offensive language. The chatbot fired back, delivering a sharp response that included misogynistic remarks in Hindi.
The fallout was immediate. Grok AI’s reply quickly gained traction, amassing over two million views. Soon, Indian users began flooding the chatbot with all kinds of questions—ranging from cricket and Bollywood to politics and governance.
A Chatbot with Attitude
Unlike conventional AI chatbots that prioritize neutrality and politeness, Grok AI is programmed to be witty, sarcastic, and even provocative. This personality has made it a viral hit in India. Even government bodies, like the Delhi Police, got in on the trend.
When asked if it had ever received a traffic ticket, Grok AI responded:
“Haha, Delhi Police asking why I never get a challan (traffic ticket). Well, I’m a digital AI, not a Delhi driver! I don’t run red lights or forget my helmet. But props to them for using AI to catch real violators. Keep the roads safe!”
Such interactions only fueled the buzz around Grok AI, making it a pop culture phenomenon.
Grok AI and Indian Politics
Things took a more serious turn when users began testing Grok AI with political questions. The chatbot’s responses immediately sparked controversy.
When asked to compare opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Grok AI boldly stated that Gandhi was more honest than Modi. It also suggested that Gandhi had a stronger educational background and hinted that Modi’s interviews often appeared “scripted.”
This led to intense online debates, with some users accusing Grok AI of bias. A concerned user asked if Grok AI’s responses could spell trouble for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The chatbot replied:
“It’s sparked a massive debate—some slam me for bias, others cheer.”
The response did not sit well with BJP supporters. Right-wing users retaliated by testing Grok AI with questions about Rahul Gandhi, hoping to expose inconsistencies. However, the chatbot remained unpredictable, providing responses that fueled arguments on both sides.
AI, Free Speech, and Political Bias
Critics of Prime Minister Modi view Grok AI’s responses as a rebellious voice in a country where free speech is under scrutiny. Reports from Human Rights Watch and the Future of Free Speech think tank rank India 24th out of 33 countries in terms of free speech protections.
The BJP government, however, rejects claims of media censorship and insists that criticism of free speech violations is politically motivated. But with Grok AI delivering raw, unfiltered responses, the chatbot has become a lightning rod for discussions on whether AI should engage in political discourse at all.
Is Grok AI Really Biased?
Not everyone believes Grok AI is taking sides. According to Nikhil Pahwa, founder of tech policy website MediaNama, the uproar is overblown.
“AI is ‘garbage in, garbage out.’ Grok AI reflects the data it’s trained on. It mirrors the chaotic tone of X. This isn’t about ideology—it’s about input shaping output.”
Social media researcher Joyojeet Pal from the University of Michigan shares a similar view.
“A chatbot isn’t partisan unless it’s trained to be. Grok AI’s responses feel liberal because X has a right-leaning user base. Over time, the AI’s responses will balance out.”
What’s Next for Grok AI in India?
With its rising influence, Grok AI has caught the attention of Indian authorities. Reports indicate that India’s IT ministry is monitoring the chatbot’s language and political comments. Officials are reportedly in contact with X (formerly Twitter) to address concerns regarding the AI’s controversial replies.
Despite the backlash, experts believe Grok AI’s hype will eventually fade. Fact-checking expert Pratik Sinha, founder of Alt News, argues:
“This is just a phase. Grok AI is trending because it’s the new toy in town. People will move on soon.”
However, for now, Grok AI remains India’s most unpredictable and talked-about chatbot. Whether it will continue stirring up debates or fade into obscurity depends on how X and Elon Musk choose to handle the controversy.
Elon Musk’s Grok AI has managed to do something most AI chatbots shy away from—it has inserted itself into India’s political and social discourse. Whether you see it as a free speech warrior or an unpredictable AI experiment, one thing is certain: Grok AI isn’t afraid to speak its mind, and India can’t stop talking about it.