Assam BJP is portraying Himanta Biswa Sarma as a hero. Elections for the assembly are set to occur this April-May in Assam along with four other states. Before these elections, the BJP attempts to present the same heroic image that has been evident in his mannerisms, statements, and policies.
A video shared on social media with the caption 'Point Blank Shot' shows Himanta Biswa Sarma aiming with an air rifle. The targets are photos of individuals resembling members of the Muslim community, wearing caps. This video, shared on Assam BJP's official handle on the social site X, was deleted following growing criticism and accusations of inciting violence.
While the BJP has deleted the video, they express no remorse, stating, once deleted, the matter is closed. In October 2025, a similar video was shared, for which the Supreme Court issued a notice. It was later deleted, but the crucial point is that the video once again targeted Assam's Muslim community, using AI technology in both instances.
Both the Congress and Trinamool Congress are up in arms. Trinamool's Mamata Banerjee has petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene in the matter, posing the question, with so much happening, does the Election Commission not find this worthy of their attention?
What was in the video?
The opening shot of the video features Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, wholly focused on his target. Several intermediate scenes appear to be created using AI. In one scene, the target is shown to be two men with beards and caps, including a partly visible figure resembling Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi. These target images are hung on a wall, above which reads - NO MERCY.
The video closes with Himanta Biswa Sarma holding a pistol, preceding which various messages in Assamese are displayed, such as 'Why didn't you go to Pakistan?' and 'No forgiveness for Bangladeshis.'
Regarding the video, Assam BJP spokesperson Ranjib Kumar Sarma claims there is nothing to discuss since the post is removed. Assam BJP's social media coordinator, Biswajit Khaund, merely noted that the team comprises many young members, referencing a similar AI-generated video posted the previous year.
In the case of that video, the Supreme Court issued a notice to social site X and the BJP's Assam wing on October 7, 2025. A petition demands the removal of AI-generated content that presented an alarming and derogatory message, predicting that Muslims would overrun Assam should the BJP lose the legislative elections, leading to its eventual deletion.
The opposition is relentless over the video
The Congress states that mere removal is insufficient. From Kerala, Congress MP and Organization General Secretary KC Venugopal described the BJP's video as an open call for genocide, asserting it cannot be dismissed as troll content. KC Venugopal has appealed for judicial intervention, arguing such messages reflect higher-level venomous spreading.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinet accuses the video of showing the Chief Minister shooting at Muslim men with words like POINT BLANK SHOT being used. Declaring the video as promoting hate and violence, Supriya Shrinet questions whether courts and institutions are oblivious while circumstances worsen. Supriya Shrinet has shared this BJP video.
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Trinamool Congress's Assam division condemns the BJP video as showcasing hate, accusing it of normalizing hatred. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghosh labels the video a criminal act inciting violence and demands strict punishment.
Trinamool Congress petitions the Supreme Court for immediate intervention, warning that such actions endanger communal harmony in Assam.
Is it a matter for automatic judicial recognition?
The opposition has called for action from the Supreme Court and relevant institutions over the BJP video issue. Essentially, the video advances Himanta Biswa Sarma's rhetoric targeting Assam's Miya community. Miyas, the term for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, are portrayed as descendants of East Bengal residents. Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has publicly stated that causing misery to Miya individuals is necessary. For instance, he has suggested paying lower fares if a Miya is a rickshaw driver.
At the beginning of the election year, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced at a press conference that identity and development would be the main focuses in the upcoming legislative elections. He stated the government is fully prepared to identify and deport illegal immigrants, emphasizing that state development is unattainable without protecting indigenous populations' interests.
Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that protecting the interests of Assam's indigenous population is a government priority... Progress is meaningless without security... The identification and deportation of illegal immigrants will be strictly enforced.
With Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma repeatedly voicing such sentiments and Assam BJP frequently sharing videos with similar messages, does the Election Commission ever take note?
1.
Will the Election Commission take suo motu cognizance of such AI-generated videos that hint at hatred, fear, or violence against a specific community (here, Muslims)?
2.
This video was posted (now deleted) from BJP's Assam unit's official social media handle, so will the Election Commission issue a notice or take action?
3.
Will the Election Commission also issue a clear directive stating that merely deleting such videos won't suffice, and actions can be based on the video's motive, intent, and potential impact?
4.
If similar videos are created and shared in upcoming elections, will the Election Commission consider it a violation of the model code of conduct and take necessary action?
