Full Breakdown
Outrage Over AI-Generated Video of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
2/10/2026, 9:48:43 PM
Controversial Video Sparks Condemnation
A now-deleted AI-generated video featuring Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ignited widespread outrage in India. The video, shared by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam, depicted Sarma appearing to shoot at images of two Muslim men, accompanied by captions such as “No Mercy” and “Point-Blank Shot.” This incident has drawn severe criticism from various political leaders and civil society groups, who argue that it constitutes a call for violence against Muslims, a community that makes up approximately one-third of Assam's population.
Political Reactions and Legal Complaints
In response to the video, Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), filed a formal complaint with the Hyderabad City Police, accusing Sarma of inciting communal violence. Owaisi described the video as “genocidal hate speech” and called for immediate legal action against Sarma. He emphasized that the imagery and language used in the video were intended to provoke hatred and enmity between religious communities.
The Congress party also condemned the video, labeling it as a reflection of the “true face of the fascist regime” and demanding accountability for what they termed a blatant call to genocide. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate criticized the BJP's actions, stating that deleting the video was insufficient and that the judiciary must intervene to uphold constitutional protections.
Context of Rising Anti-Muslim Sentiment
The incident occurs within a broader context of escalating anti-Muslim sentiment in India, particularly under the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since Modi's election in 2014, there has been a notable increase in hate speech and violence targeting Muslims. Reports indicate that in 2025 alone, over 1,300 hate speech events were recorded, with 98% of them aimed at Muslims. The BJP's narrative often portrays Muslims, especially those of Bengali origin, as illegal immigrants and threats to national integrity.
Official Responses and Accountability
Despite the backlash, Sarma has stated he is prepared to face arrest over the controversy, claiming ignorance of the video's content while reiterating his stance against “Bangladeshi infiltrators.” The Assam BJP unit has not issued an official statement regarding the video, and local BJP leaders have remained largely silent.
Critics, including Mahua Moitra of the All India Trinamool Congress, have urged the judiciary to take notice of the situation, questioning what further actions would prompt legal accountability for Sarma. The incident has intensified political tensions in Assam, with opposition parties demanding immediate action against the ruling BJP for its inflammatory rhetoric.
Conclusion
The AI-generated video featuring Himanta Biswa Sarma has not only sparked outrage but also highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding communal relations in India. As calls for accountability grow, the incident underscores the challenges facing minority communities in a political landscape increasingly characterized by divisive rhetoric and actions.
