Politics – Row Erupts Over Controversial Assam CM Video
Politics – The political atmosphere in Assam has grown tense following the circulation of a video that has triggered strong reactions across party lines.
The controversy centers on a clip allegedly showing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a scene interpreted by critics as targeting members of the Muslim community. The video, which surfaced on social media earlier this month, has led to demands for legal action and heightened political exchanges in the state.
Ajmal Demands Immediate Legal Action
The president of the All India United Democratic Front, Badruddin Ajmal, on Wednesday publicly called for the Chief Minister’s arrest. In a video statement, Ajmal accused Sarma of repeatedly making remarks that he described as divisive over the past several months.
Referring to the recently circulated clip, Ajmal urged the judiciary to intervene, arguing that such conduct should attract strict consequences. He said the court should bar the Chief Minister from contesting elections and order his arrest. According to Ajmal, the alleged actions and statements were serious enough to question Sarma’s continuation in office.
Congress Files Police Complaint
The issue escalated further after the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee filed a formal complaint at the Dispur Police Station. The complaint alleged that a video shared through the official account of the Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on the social media platform X contained provocative content with communal undertones.
According to Congress leaders, the clip included phrases suggesting hostility toward certain groups, including references to “foreigners” and “Bangladeshis.” The complaint stated that such messaging could inflame tensions and disrupt communal harmony in the state. Party representatives urged police authorities to register a case under relevant sections of the law and conduct a thorough investigation.
Legal Challenge Reaches Supreme Court
The controversy has also moved beyond Assam. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) approached the Supreme Court of India, seeking directions in connection with remarks allegedly made by the Chief Minister that were described as discriminatory toward the Muslim community.
During a mention before Chief Justice Surya Kant, counsel for the petitioners requested an urgent hearing. The Chief Justice observed that election seasons often see political disputes reaching the court, adding that the matter would be examined. The court has yet to issue any substantive order on the plea.
Owaisi Files Separate Complaint
Meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, lodged a separate complaint with the Hyderabad City Police. Owaisi described the content as hate speech and called for criminal proceedings.
In his complaint, Owaisi stated that the video had been uploaded on February 7 from the official account of the Assam BJP and removed a day later. However, he noted that the clip continues to circulate on various social media platforms. He argued that law enforcement agencies have a constitutional obligation to act in cases involving alleged hate speech, even without waiting for a private complaint.
Chief Minister Responds
Responding to the growing criticism, Sarma said he was prepared to face legal consequences if required. He stated that he was unaware of the specific video being referred to but maintained that he stands by his position opposing illegal immigration from Bangladesh.
The Chief Minister remarked that if a case has been filed against him, authorities are free to proceed as they deem fit. At the same time, he reiterated his long-held stance on what he described as infiltration issues affecting Assam.
Political Climate Intensifies
The episode has added to the already charged political climate in the state. With multiple complaints now before police authorities and a petition pending before the Supreme Court, the matter appears set to remain in focus in the coming days.
Observers note that the dispute underscores broader debates around political rhetoric, social media accountability, and communal sensitivity in Assam. As investigations and legal proceedings move forward, all eyes will remain on how institutions respond to the allegations and the impact on the state’s political landscape.