Assam BJP's Controversial Video Ignites Hate Speech Debate Ahead of Elections
A political firestorm has erupted in Assam following the posting and subsequent deletion of a controversial video by the state's Bharatiya Janata Party unit. The video, which surfaced on Saturday, depicted an image of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma firing at men wearing skull caps, accompanied by the caption "point blank shot." Although the BJP removed the video on Sunday, the incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.
Video Labeled as Hate Speech Amidst Political Context
Political analysts and constitutional experts have unequivocally classified the video as hate speech. This classification comes in the context of recent rhetoric from Chief Minister Sarma, who publicly urged the people of Assam and the Election Commission's SIR exercise to target "Miyas"—a term referring to Bengali-speaking Muslims that is often used in communal dog-whistle politics. The video's release, following this rhetoric, has intensified scrutiny on the BJP's campaign strategies.
Chief Minister Sarma has claimed ignorance about the video's creation and posting, but has notably refrained from issuing any condemnation of its content. This silence has fueled criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that such actions undermine the constitutional principles of equality, dignity, and fraternity in India's diverse society.
Election Dynamics and Political Strategy Under Scrutiny
With Assam approaching a crucial election, where the BJP is seeking a third consecutive term against a fragmented opposition, the timing of this controversy is particularly significant. Observers note that under Sarma's leadership, the party appears to be shifting its strategy beyond traditional platforms like welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and the Chief Minister's personal popularity.
In a state with a complex history marked by religious, ethnic, and sub-regional tensions, Sarma's political approach seems focused on consolidation through polarization. Critics allege that his rhetoric aims to stoke fears among indigenous Assamese communities by invoking specters of demographic change from "outsiders," despite legitimate concerns about illegal immigration from Bangladesh that have been acknowledged by the Supreme Court.
Constitutional and Legal Implications Highlight Enforcement Gaps
The Supreme Court of India has previously addressed hate speech as a significant constitutional harm, emphasizing its role in legitimizing the exclusion of communities. In a landmark order from October 2022, the Court directed police authorities to register First Information Reports (FIRs) suo motu in hate speech cases, without waiting for formal complaints. Failure to comply with this directive risks contempt proceedings.
However, enforcement of these measures has been inconsistent across states. In Assam, questions arise about the independence of law enforcement officers under Sarma's administration to take action against the creators of the controversial video. This enforcement gap underscores the broader challenges in addressing hate speech at the state level.
Calls for Political Accountability and Party Responsibility
The onus is now squarely on the political leadership, particularly the BJP's state and national units. In 2022, the party demonstrated a willingness to take swift action against its own leaders for remarks deemed disparaging. Similarly, there is growing pressure for the BJP to address this incident involving its Chief Minister.
If the party fails to hold Sarma accountable or remind him of his constitutional duties, it risks undermining its own mandate and credibility. The creators of the video must be identified and held responsible, as their actions implicate not only the Chief Minister but also the party as a whole. As the election campaign intensifies, how the BJP navigates this controversy will be closely watched by voters and political observers alike.
