Politics – Assam BJP Deletes Controversial Rifle Video Featuring Chief Minister
Politics – The Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has removed a social media video that sparked widespread criticism for its depiction of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma holding a rifle while inflammatory slogans appeared on screen. The clip, shared briefly on the party’s official X account before being deleted, has drawn sharp reactions from opposition leaders, civil rights advocates and journalists.
Video Content Draws Immediate Backlash
The video combined real footage of the chief minister firing a rifle with digitally created visuals portraying men in skullcaps and beards. Accompanying text included phrases such as “foreigner-free Assam,” “No mercy,” and statements targeting Bangladeshis. The caption read “point blank shoot.”
Critics argued that the imagery and language were deeply provocative and potentially harmful. Within hours of its circulation, political figures across party lines condemned the post, prompting the BJP to take it down. However, screenshots and screen recordings of the video continued to circulate, fueling debate over its intent and impact.
Opposition Leaders Demand Legal Action
Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose described the post as “shameful” and called for strict action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as well as relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In a series of posts on X, she stated that simply deleting the content would not absolve the party of responsibility and urged authorities to initiate proceedings.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal also criticized the video, characterizing it as a dangerous and divisive message. He argued that such content should not be dismissed as routine political trolling but examined for its broader implications. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate echoed similar concerns, saying the incident warranted accountability beyond the removal of the post.
Journalist Rana Ayyub, among others, said the visuals reflected poorly on political discourse and questioned the tone adopted by those in positions of power.
Context of Ongoing Political Tensions
The controversy comes amid heightened debate in Assam over the revision of electoral rolls. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has recently made remarks about the identification and deletion of certain voters during the special revision process. He referred to “Miya voters,” a term widely regarded as derogatory when used for Bengali-speaking Muslims in the state.
In public comments, Sarma said that between four lakh and five lakh such voters could be removed from electoral rolls. He also stated that notices related to the revision were being issued selectively, asserting that the exercise targeted specific categories of individuals.
These statements have triggered legal and political responses. Rights activist and lawyer Harsh Mander filed a police complaint against the chief minister, alleging that his remarks were communal in nature. Separately, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the comments were unconstitutional and amounted to hate speech from someone holding high office.
Broader Implications for Political Communication
The episode has intensified discussion about political messaging and the responsibility of parties on social media platforms. With digital content capable of reaching vast audiences within minutes, critics say public figures must exercise caution to avoid language or imagery that could inflame tensions.
The BJP has not issued a detailed public explanation regarding the video’s creation or approval process. Meanwhile, opposition parties continue to press for clarity and possible legal scrutiny.
As Assam navigates complex issues surrounding citizenship, voter identification and communal harmony, the latest controversy underscores how digital communication can quickly become central to the political narrative. Observers say the matter may have lasting implications for political accountability and online conduct in the state.