Internet Desk/Hyderabad, Mar 19 (Maxim News) Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma has defended a controversial video linked to the Assam BJP ahead of the Assembly elections. The CM spoke about the issue in two recent television interviews. The video had earlier triggered a political controversy.
The 18 second video showed Sarma handling an air rifle. It also included AI generated visuals of two men wearing skullcaps. The visuals appeared to show him “shooting point blank.” The post carried the caption “Point blank shot.” Later, the party deleted the post. However, it did not issue any clarification.
Sarma addressed the issue on March 12 at ‘Panchayat Aaj Tak’ in Guwahati. He again spoke about it on March 15 on media. In both interviews, he defended the post. He said it would be uploaded again with a correction. He said the revised version would specify that the men shown were “Bangladeshis.”
During the media interview, Sarma said the post was “fine.” However, he said it became “constitutionally and legally wrong” because it did not mention “Bangladeshis.” Therefore, he said the party deleted it. He also said he may repost it from his personal account.
When asked about the optics of the video, he said the act was symbolic. He also said it could refer to non lethal action like rubber bullets. Meanwhile, he maintained that his earlier remarks were “legally and constitutionally correct.”
The discussion also covered his comments about “Miya Muslims.” The term often refers to Bengali origin Muslim communities in Assam. Critics have described the term as derogatory. However, Sarma said he had no issue with Muslims as a whole. He said, “India is a secular nation. Everyone has equal rights.”
In the media interview, he said his concern was related to “Miya,” “Bangladeshi Muslims” or “ghuspethiyan.” He said the issue was related to illegal immigration. He added that the Assam fight was not against Muslims. He said it was against “Bangladeshi Muslims.”
When asked about the deleted video again, he said it would be reposted. He said it would clearly mention “Bangladeshis.” When asked if he would “aim again,” he replied, “Yes, one has to aim and hit the Bangladeshis. Point blank.”
The interviews also included questions about earlier remarks linked to “Miya Muslim” rickshaw pullers. Sarma said his comments were metaphorical. He said he did not call for any social boycott.
Despite questions from the interviewers, Sarma maintained his stand. The controversy continues as the state moves closer to the Assembly polls. (Maxim News)
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