Assam BJP’s AI Video Sparks Outrage, Taken Down After Backlash by Kanwaljit Bhullar

            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.