New Delhi – The debate over Algorithm bias has suddenly gained massive traction on social media. Dr. Vijender Singh Chauhan, a prominent social justice activist and academic, raised questions about data bias in AI tools like ChatGPT by calling it "Savarna" during the launch event of the new book Jati Janganna (Caste Census) by bestselling author of Professor's Diary, Prof. Laxman Yadav. BJP-RSS supporter trolls seized the opportunity to mock it.

But this controversy has transcended a mere viral clip – it has evolved into a profound exploration of caste census, social inequalities in the tech world, and political repression. Supporters are branding the trolling of Dr. Chauhan – without even listening to his full speech – as a weapon of casteist mentality and "the state's repressive politics."

Dr. Chauhan's background, tied to the social justice movement for 14 years, is intriguing. With a PhD from Delhi University, Chauhan has remained vocal on Bahujan issues despite his own Savarna roots.

How the Controversy Unfolded

It all began on January 17 at a literary event in Delhi, where Dr. Laxman Yadav, author and social activist, launched his new book Jati Janganna. Serving as chief guest, Dr. Vijender Singh Chauhan delivered an address. The book focuses on the need for caste-based census in India, reservation policies, and social justice – a highly sensitive topic in the current political climate.

Dr. Chauhan, who hails from a Savarna background himself, linked AI technology to the caste system in his 14-minute speech. He stated, "Tools like ChatGPT are 'biased.' Their creators and trainers are Savarna, so the data is infused with a Savarna worldview. If a caste census of the tech world ever happens, the myth of 'neutral technology' will shatter."

He gave examples of how AI models are trained on internet data, where much of the content on history, literature, and social sciences is dominated by upper castes – such as glorifying the Manusmriti as an 'ancient law.' He emphasized, "The fight against casteist thinking isn't just against vice-chancellors, bureaucrats, chief ministers, and prime ministers – we must also wage war against algorithm bias."

A Small Clip Spreads Confusion

This statement was in the context of the book, where the author argued that a caste census is not only essential for social justice but can also serve as a weapon to expose 'caste bias' in the digital world. However, trolls clipped just 5-6 seconds of the speech – highlighting Chauhan's line about "ChatGPT being Savarna" – and went viral by labeling it 'nonsense' or 'nursery-level logic.' One troll post read, "Name: ChatGPT, Caste: General (Savarna), Discoverer: Vijender Singh Chauhan." The clip garnered thousands of reposts, and hashtags like #SavarnaAI began trending.

The epicenter of the trolling was BJP-RSS supporter users, known as staunch opponents of caste census and reservations. Dr. Laxman Yadav termed it 'political malice' in a detailed post. He wrote, "Clipping today isn't just trolling – it's a weapon of the state's repressive politics, used to instill fear, threats, and lawsuits." Yadav revealed, "I've worked with him for 14 years. The country needs such Savarnas to become a Vishwaguru."

Yadav described Dr. Chauhan as 'courageous despite being Savarna' and said such individuals prove that the problem isn't 'caste,' but 'casteist power.'

Attacking the trolls, socialist A.K. Stalin called it 'digital lynching.' He posted, "There are dozens of peer-reviewed research papers on caste bias in AI. Forming a mob against a scholar without reading them is intellectual bankruptcy." Stalin cited international studies, including a paper in the Nature journal that proved AI replicates social hierarchies. Similarly, activists like Lakhan Meena wrote in support, "Dr. Chauhan is 100% right. AI data is Manuvadi, so its responses are too."

The political motive behind the trolling is evident. Amid rising demands for caste census, opposition parties are turning it into an electoral issue. Trolls claim Chauhan's statement is part of 'vote-bank politics,' but supporters hail it as 'courage to speak the truth.' One post stated, "Sanghi trolls aren't even capable of this debate. Their ideological and political boycott is essential."

Senior scientist Santosh Yadav, citing the Nature journal, wrote, "AI bias is a scientific fact. Don't comment in haste." Counter-trolling intensified on troll posts, with users asking, "Ask ChatGPT – How are Brahmins born from the mouth? It'll quote Manusmriti first, then science!"