"Point Blank Shot": Assam CM's AI Video Triggers 'Call to Genocide' Firestorm
Breaking: BJP's AI-Generated Video Sparks National Outrage
A now-deleted video posted on the official social media handle of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Assam unit, depicting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shooting at images of men wearing skullcaps, has ignited a fierce political storm and allegations of inciting violence against minorities[citation:2][citation:9]. The Congress party has termed the clip a "call to genocide," while other opposition parties have demanded immediate legal action against the Chief Minister[citation:2][citation:7].
The controversial video, captioned "Point blank shot," was live for several hours before being taken down following widespread condemnation[citation:8][citation:9]. It comes amidst heightened political tensions in Assam ahead of state elections and escalates a bitter rivalry between CM Sarma and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi[citation:1].
Deconstructing the Controversial Video
What Did the Video Show?
The video was an AI-generated edit that combined original footage with manipulated visuals[citation:7]. Key elements included:
- Symbolic Shooting: The clip showed CM Himanta Biswa Sarma aiming and firing a rifle at a framed photograph of two individuals wearing skullcaps (a marker associated with Muslim identity)[citation:9][citation:10]. One of the men resembled Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi[citation:9].
- Provocative Text Overlays: The video flashed phrases like "No mercy to Bangladeshis," "Why did you go to Pakistan?" and "Foreigner-free Assam"[citation:7][citation:9]. The wall behind the photo bore the words "No mercy"[citation:2].
- Cowboy Imagery: The video ended with an image of Sarma styled like a cowboy from a Western film, wielding a gun[citation:7][citation:9].
Source & Duration: The video was posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of BJP Assam, which has over 2 lakh followers[citation:9]. It was deleted on Sunday, February 8, after causing a major uproar[citation:2][citation:8].
Political Fallout: Nationwide Condemnation
The video drew swift and severe criticism from across the political spectrum, framing it as dangerous incitement.
Indian National Congress
The Congress issued a strong statement, calling the video "deeply abhorrent and disturbing" and stating it "amounts to a call to mass violence and genocide"[citation:9][citation:10]. Senior leader K.C. Venugopal called it "poison spread from the very top" and demanded judicial intervention, expressing no hope for action from Prime Minister Modi[citation:8]. Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate questioned the silence of courts and institutions[citation:7][citation:8].
All India Trinamool Congress (TMC)
The TMC accused the BJP of "performative bloodlust" and "normalised hatred"[citation:2][citation:7]. Its Assam unit stated the video gave a "green signal for genocide and mass murder" and was an "open incitement"[citation:9]. MP Sagarika Ghose argued it constituted a criminal offence under laws like the UAPA[citation:7].
CPI(M) and Others
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) called it an "open call for ethnic cleansing and genocide" and demanded the Chief Minister be put behind bars[citation:9][citation:10]. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized the Election Commission for being "toothless and useless" in front of the BJP[citation:8].
BJP's Response
The party deleted the video and offered no official explanation or apology[citation:9]. State spokespersons, when contacted by media, declined to comment, with one saying, "It has been deleted, there is nothing to say"[citation:9][citation:10].
Not an Isolated Incident: Pattern of Rhetoric
Analysts note this video is part of a consistent pattern of polarizing rhetoric from CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, particularly targeting the Bengali-origin Muslim community (often referred to as 'Miya') in Assam[citation:7].
Past Controversial Remarks by CM Sarma
- In a previous public speech, Sarma stated his job was to "make the Miya people suffer" and suggested people underpay rickshaw fares if the driver was a Miya Muslim, saying, "Only if they face troubles will they leave Assam"[citation:7].
- He has also claimed that "four to five lakh" Muslim votes would be deleted from the electoral rolls ahead of the state elections[citation:7].
- His politics since joining the BJP in 2015 has heavily framed "Bangladeshi infiltration" as an existential threat to Assam[citation:3].
This incident also escalates his ongoing political feud with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, whom he has recently accused of having "deeper connections" with Pakistan and potential "rashtra-droh (treason)"[citation:1]. Gogoi has dismissed all allegations as politically motivated "lies and rumours"[citation:1].
For Competitive Exam Aspirants: Key Notes
This controversy touches upon crucial themes of constitutional morality, electoral ethics, hate speech, and federal politics. Here are the core points to remember:
- Core Issue: Use of AI-generated media by a ruling party's official handle to depict violence against a specific religious community (Muslims, identified by skullcaps)[citation:7][citation:9].
- Primary Allegation: Opposition parties, led by Congress, have labeled the video a "call to genocide" and "open incitement" to violence[citation:2][citation:10].
- Legal Angle: Critics cite potential violations of laws against promoting enmity between groups. The Election Commission's role in regulating such content during election season is under scrutiny[citation:7][citation:8].
- Historical & Regional Context: The rhetoric targets the 'Miya' (Bengali-origin Muslim) community in Assam, linked to long-standing political issues of immigration, citizenship (NRC), and "sons of the soil" narratives[citation:7].
- Constitutional Principles at Stake: Secularism (Preamble, Articles 25-28), Fraternity (Preamble), and Fundamental Duty to promote harmony (Article 51A(e)).
- Key Individuals: Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam CM), Gaurav Gogoi (Congress MP & ACC President), K.C. Venugopal (Congress General Secretary).
Practice Questions for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Defence Exams
Test your understanding of this major current affair with these MCQs.
Q1. The recent video controversy involving Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, termed a "call to genocide" by the opposition, was primarily posted on which platform?
Q2. Which of the following phrases was NOT displayed as text in the controversial AI-generated video featuring Assam CM?
Q3. The opposition's criticism of the video highlighted the potential violation of several constitutional principles. Which of the following pairs is MOST accurately matched in this context?
