Citizens, journalists, and activists raise strong objection to the Islamophobic video showing Muslims allegedly occupying airports, stadiums, and towns
GUWAHATI – A storm of criticism has erupted after the Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released an Islamophobic, AI-generated video on its official social media platform on Monday. The video, which depicts members of the Muslim community taking over government land and public spaces, has been condemned widely by citizens, journalists, and activists.
The video, titled “Assam Without BJP”, shows Muslims occupying Guwahati Airport, Rangghar, stadiums, and several towns in exaggerated numbers. It also includes imagery linking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with a Pakistani official, implicitly connecting the political party to Pakistan.
Hyderabad parliamentarian and chief of the All India Majlis Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the video accusing the BJP of harbouring the aim of a Muslim-free India.
Taking to X, Owaisi said, “BJP Assam has posted a disgusting AI video that shows a Muslim-majority Assam if there was no BJP. They are not fear-mongering just for votes, this is the repulsive Hindutva ideology in true form. The very existence of Muslims in India is a problem for them, their dream is a Muslim-mukt bharat. Besides this constant whining, they’ve no vision for India.”
Journalist and social activist Farhan Ahmed said: “This video is an attempt to spread hatred and fear against our Muslim brothers and sisters,” “It is deeply troubling that a political party would use such divisive tactics to target a community.”
The post sparked an immediate backlash online, with many social media users, including BJP supporters, criticising the party for what they called a “despicable act.” Some pointed out that the video seems designed to disrupt communal harmony and incite prejudice against Muslims.
“This is exactly why people fear communal politics,” commented resident Saima Begum from Guwahati. “We live in a diverse society, and it is irresponsible to portray Muslims as occupiers of public spaces. It spreads hate and mistrust.”
Similar instances have occurred in other states. The BJP’s Jharkhand unit previously released a video showing Muslims allegedly occupying private homes, leading to accusations that the party is using Islamophobia to gain political advantage.
Critics also highlighted the role of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, whose political decisions frequently reference religious identity, with terms like “Muslim,” “Miya,” and “Mohammedan” appearing in public policies. Activists say the video reflects the chief minister’s Hindu-Muslim-centric politics.
“Time and again, actions and messages like these target our Muslim community,” said lawyer and human rights activist Ahmed Khan. “It is not just an attack on individuals, but on the dignity and security of an entire community.”
Observers believe such videos deepen societal divides and undermine the social fabric of Assam, which has long been home to diverse religious and ethnic communities. “This is not politics; it is communal provocation,” said political analyst Rina Das. “Our leaders must promote unity, not fear.”
The video remains on social media, continuing to draw criticism and calls for accountability. Citizens and activists alike are urging the authorities to remove the content and prevent similar divisive campaigns in the future.
The Assam BJP video has triggered nationwide debate over the responsibility of political parties in handling sensitive communal issues. While the party has yet to respond formally, the outrage highlights the growing demand for respectful, inclusive, and peaceful political discourse in India.
