Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Challenges Arrest After Owaisi's Police Complaint Over Controversial Video
In a bold political confrontation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared on Monday that he is fully prepared to face arrest. This statement came as a direct response to a formal police complaint filed against him by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi. The complaint centers on a now-deleted video allegedly posted by the Assam BJP, which has ignited a fierce debate over hate speech and communal tensions.
Sarma's Defiant Stance and Denial of Video Knowledge
Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his readiness to be taken into custody, stating emphatically to news agency ANI, "I am ready to go to jail, what can I do? I do not know anything about any video. If he has filed a case against me, arrest me; what objection do I have? I have no objection." Despite this, the chief minister stood firm on his political position, adding, "But I stand by my words, I am against Bangladeshi infiltrators and I will continue to be against them." This reiteration underscores his ongoing campaign against illegal immigration, a key issue in Assam's political landscape.
Owaisi's Allegations of Genocidal Hate Speech
The controversy erupted after Asaduddin Owaisi lodged an official complaint with the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner, demanding criminal action against Sarma. Owaisi described the video as containing "genocidal hate speech," alleging it depicted violence against Muslims. In a post on social media platform X, Owaisi claimed the video showed Sarma symbolically shooting at individuals "very obviously depicted as Muslims," and attached a copy of his complaint for public scrutiny.
According to the complaint, the video was uploaded on February 7 from the official X account of the Assam BJP and was removed a day later, though it continues to circulate widely on various social media platforms. Owaisi highlighted specific phrases from the video, such as "Point blank shot" and "No Mercy," arguing that these were intentionally designed to outrage religious sentiments, promote communal hatred, and incite violence. He further contended that law enforcement agencies have a constitutional duty to act suo motu in hate speech cases, even without a formal complaint.
Political Context and Campaign Rhetoric
This incident has spilled over into the electoral arena, with Owaisi raising the issue during a public rally in Zaheerabad on Sunday. While campaigning for the upcoming Telangana municipal elections scheduled for February 11, he shifted focus from local civic matters to what he termed a "national crisis of dignity." Owaisi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of spreading communal hatred and urged voters to support AIMIM as a counterforce to communalism.
Addressing his supporters, Owaisi also highlighted AIMIM's relief efforts during past incidents like the Jainoor violence and Medak town clashes, criticizing both the Congress and BRS governments for alleged inaction. He emphasized that municipal elections are crucial for everyday governance and appealed for votes to back AIMIM candidates, promising inclusive development and effective grassroots leadership.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Tensions
The clash between Sarma and Owaisi reflects deeper political divisions in India, particularly around issues of immigration, religious identity, and free speech. Sarma's defiant posture and Owaisi's legal action set the stage for a potential legal battle, with implications for how hate speech is addressed in the country. As the video continues to circulate online, the controversy underscores the volatile nature of political discourse in the digital age, where social media content can quickly escalate into major confrontations.
Both leaders remain entrenched in their positions, with Sarma maintaining his anti-infiltration stance and Owaisi pushing for accountability. The outcome of this dispute could influence public opinion and electoral dynamics, especially in regions like Assam and Telangana where these issues resonate strongly with voters. As developments unfold, this case will be closely watched for its impact on India's political and legal landscapes.
