Assam BJP Takes Action After Controversial AI-Generated Video Sparks Outrage
Guwahati: The Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken decisive action following severe backlash over a controversial artificial intelligence-generated video that allegedly depicted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a violent scenario. On Thursday, the party removed Ron Vikash Gaurav from his position as co-convenor of its social media cell, holding him responsible for the unauthorized content.
Official Statement Confirms Removal
Chief spokesperson of the party's state unit, Kishore Upadhyay, confirmed the development, stating that Ron Vikash Gaurav had been "relieved of his engagement" with immediate effect. Upadhyay emphasized that the creation and posting of the specific video on the party's official X handle was completely unauthorized and violated established procedures.
"There are clear procedures under which permission is required for such political posts, but Ron Vikash did not follow the rules," Upadhyay explained. He noted that while some relaxations exist for posts about organizational meetings or developmental activities, this particular content represented a serious breach of protocol.
Video Content and Immediate Fallout
The AI-generated video, which was uploaded on Saturday and later deleted, allegedly showed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shooting at two members of a minority community. The content quickly triggered widespread controversy and condemnation from opposition parties and civil society groups.
Senior party leader Ranjib Kumar Sharma oversees the social media cell of the state unit, with Biswajit Khound serving as convenor. The removal of Ron Vikash Gaurav represents the first disciplinary action taken in response to the escalating situation.
Political Reactions and Legal Proceedings
The controversy has sparked significant political reactions across party lines. On Tuesday, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at Dispur police station against the video. State PCC president Gaurav Gogoi accused Chief Minister Sarma of "inciting genocide" against Muslims through the controversial content.
In response, Chief Minister Sarma stated that he was not aware of any such video initially. However, he later clarified that the BJP had posted the video with the intention of targeting migrant Muslims from Bangladesh who have been attempting to cross the international border.
"Some people, especially Congress, misinterpreted the video and we deleted it," Sarma explained during his comments on the matter.
Escalating Legal Battles
The legal dimension of the controversy continues to expand. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Sarma revealed that police had registered a case based on the Congress complaint, against which a BJP worker had filed a counter-complaint. This development indicates the beginning of what could become a protracted legal battle between the political parties.
Previously, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi had also lodged a police complaint regarding the video in Hyderabad, seeking criminal action against Chief Minister Sarma. The multiple complaints across different jurisdictions highlight the national attention the controversy has attracted.
Broader Implications for Political Communication
This incident raises important questions about the use of artificial intelligence in political communication and the oversight mechanisms within political parties for digital content creation. The unauthorized nature of the video's posting suggests potential gaps in content approval processes, even within well-organized political structures.
The controversy also underscores the sensitive nature of content depicting violence against minority communities in India's current political climate. As political parties increasingly rely on digital platforms for communication, establishing robust content verification and approval systems becomes increasingly crucial to prevent similar incidents.
The Assam BJP's swift action in removing the responsible official demonstrates recognition of the seriousness of the situation, though the political and legal ramifications are likely to continue unfolding in the coming weeks.
