AI Video Sparks Political Row Amid Assembly Debate on Zubeen Garg’s Death

A heated political confrontation has erupted between the ruling party and the Opposition following a discussion in the Assam Legislative Assembly over the death of music icon Zubeen Garg. 

While both sides continue to claim victory in Tuesday’s debate, a fresh controversy has emerged over an AI-generated video posted by Assam Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika.

Hazarika shared a digitally created video on Facebook showing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma driving a bulldozer and “chasing” Opposition leaders Akhil Gogoi and Debabrata Saikia. The video depicts the two leaders running to avoid being crushed by the bulldozer.

Posting the clip, Hazarika wrote that the Opposition had attempted to create chaos in the Assembly through misinformation but was “overpowered and exposed” by the Chief Minister’s “strong and logical” speech. The minister mockingly added that the Opposition fled the House in embarrassment.

Reacting to the video, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia said he too had created an AI video but refrained from publishing it after his children advised him against it. Saikia further criticised the government, alleging that the Chief Minister failed to answer essential questions raised regarding the circumstances surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death.

Akhil Gogoi, who was absent from Wednesday’s Assembly proceedings, responded through two Facebook posts. In one post, he contrasted the Chief Minister’s statements with what he termed the “actual reality.” In another, he shared a recording of his speech from Tuesday’s session, reiterating his questions and criticisms.

It has been two months since Zubeen Garg’s passing, and the state government maintains that the investigation is progressing at a rapid pace. However, the political tussle sparked by the issue shows no signs of cooling down.

As the ruling and Opposition camps continue to trade barbs and claim victory, it is ultimately the public who will judge which side emerged stronger in the Assembly debate.

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