A political storm erupted in Assam after the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) state unit posted, and then swiftly deleted, a controversial video on social media depicting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma aiming a rifle at men wearing skullcaps. The video, widely condemned across the political spectrum, has raised serious concerns about hate speech, communal targeting, and the use of artificial intelligence in political propaganda.
The
Controversial Video
- The 17-second clip was shared on the BJP Assam
handle on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption “point blank shoot.”
- It featured AI-generated visuals of Sarma
holding a rifle and firing at two men in skullcaps, one of whom resembled
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.
- The video also carried provocative text
overlays such as “foreigner-free Assam,” “No mercy,” and “There
is no forgiveness to Bangladeshis.”
Political
Reactions
- Congress immediately condemned the video, calling it a
“call to genocide” and accusing the BJP of glorifying violence
against minorities.
- Opposition leaders and activists described the
clip as dangerous, inflammatory, and symptomatic of rising hate speech in
Indian politics.
- Journalists and civil society groups warned
that such content could deepen communal divides in Assam, a state with a
significant Muslim population of over 12 million.
BJP’s
Response
- Following widespread outrage, the Assam BJP
deleted the video from its social media platforms.
- Party officials have not issued a detailed
explanation, but the removal suggests acknowledgment of the backlash.
- Critics argue that the damage was already
done, as the video had circulated widely before being taken down.
Larger
Implications
- The incident highlights growing concerns about
AI-generated political propaganda and its potential to incite
violence.
- It underscores the urgent need for regulation
of digital content in political campaigns, especially in a diverse and
sensitive region like Assam.
- Analysts warn that unchecked use of such media
could erode democratic discourse and normalize hate speech.
Conclusion
The Assam BJP’s deleted video has
become a flashpoint in India’s ongoing debate over communal politics, digital
ethics, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping public opinion.
While the party may have attempted to retract the content, the controversy has
already left a lasting mark on Assam’s political landscape.
