Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is known to take every major decision himself and closely monitor even minor government matters, has now claimed that he was unaware of a controversial AI-generated video shared from his own social media handle.
But serious questions are now being raised. Who cleared the AI video? Can a Chief Minister who controls every aspect of governance claim ignorance after sharing it? Can such a sensitive and provocative post be uploaded and shared without his knowledge?
The AI-generated video showed CM Sarma appearing to shoot at framed photographs of Muslims. The wall behind the photographs carried the words “No mercy”. The post was captioned “Point blank shot”.
One of the framed images showed Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi wearing a skullcap. Another showed a Muslim man in traditional attire. The video was first uploaded by the Assam BJP and later shared on Sarma’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle. It was deleted after massive outrage.
The Opposition termed it a “call to genocide” and accused the Chief Minister of promoting communal hatred. Civil society groups described it as dangerous and irresponsible, especially since it came from the account of a constitutional authority.
Multiple complaints have been filed against Chief Minister Sarma in several states. Several petitions have also been moved in the Supreme Court over alleged communal remarks and the controversial video. The apex court has reportedly admitted the petitions for hearing.
Twelve social activists approached the Supreme Court. The CPI and CPI(M) filed separate petitions. A group of four prominent citizens from Assam led by noted public intellectual Hiren Gohain also moved the top court seeking action against Sarma.
According to reports, it was the BJP central leadership that asked the Assam unit to delete the controversial video after it caused national embarrassment. Following these instructions, the Assam BJP suspended Ron Bikash Gaurav, co-convenor of its social media team. Hours after his removal, Gaurav thanked the “Right Wing community” for standing “beside him like a wall of strength”.
The controversy also took an international turn. The video was posted when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two-day visit to Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra flagged the video to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on X, urging him to seek clarification from PM Modi.
In a recent national television interview, Sarma said he was not aware that the video had been shared from his account. His statement has intensified criticism.
The Chief Minister has long projected himself as a leader who knows everything happening within the government and party. He personally announces decisions, monitors departments, and comments on even the smallest political developments.
Given this image of total control, his claim of ignorance has raised doubts. Was the video really shared without his knowledge? Or is the denial a damage-control exercise after public outrage and reported intervention from the BJP’s central leadership?