Guwahati: The Assam BJP has removed a co-convenor of its state social media team after a controversial AI-generated video featuring Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was posted on the party’s official X handle, triggering a major political backlash.
The now-deleted video appeared to show CM Sarma aiming a rifle and firing at two individuals—one wearing a skull cap and another with a beard—along with the caption “point-blank shot.” The imagery drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, who termed it ‘inflammatory and divisive’.
The removed social media co-convenor was identified as Ron Vikash Gaurav.
Party sources said the video was uploaded on Saturday (February 7) evening without proper authorisation or vetting. It was removed shortly after opposition leaders and civil society groups raised objections.
“The video was posted in an unauthorised manner and without due clearance. The person responsible has been removed from the post of co-convenor of the social media team,” a senior BJP leader said.
According to party officials, only designated members are allowed to post content on official party handles, and sensitive material requires prior approval from the social media in-charge, the party president, or the Chief Minister’s Office if it involves the Chief Minister.
Ranjib Kumar Sarmah currently heads the Assam BJP’s social media team. Before Gaurav’s removal, the team had four co-convenors.
Chief Minister Sarma said on Wednesday that the police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by Congress leaders over the video. He added that a BJP worker has also lodged a separate complaint in connection with the same issue.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has denied prior knowledge of the video, while Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi accused him of promoting hatred against Muslims and called on the police to take suo motu action over the matter.
The video has triggered multiple legal complaints. In the FIR lodged at the Dispur Police Station, Congress MLAs Sibamoni Bora and Diganta Barman alleged that the content was “highly provocative and communal” and could disrupt social harmony.
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Meanwhile, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi also filed a complaint with the Hyderabad Police on Monday, seeking criminal action against Mr. Sarma over the video.
Responding to the controversy, the chief minister said he was ready to face legal action if any case had been filed against him, reiterating his stance against what he described as Bangladeshi infiltrators.
