AI or real road? Assam CM’s ‘F1 highway’ video sparks online debate

A 26 second video posted on social media by Himanta Biswa Sarma , the Chief Minister of Assam , has sparked a lively debate online after several users alleged that the footage showing a highway resembling a Formula One style track was generated using artificial intelligence .

The clip, shared on the platform X , shows a smooth, wide highway stretching across scenic surroundings . Sarma accompanied the post with a playful caption featuring a red cross beside “F1 Track” and a green tick next to “Roads of Assam” , suggesting that the state’s highways now look impressive enough to rival a racing circuit.

However, the post quickly drew skepticism from netizens , many of whom questioned whether the visuals were genuine. Some users claimed the video looked too polished and cinematic , arguing that it might have been AI generated rather than real footage .

As the discussion intensified online, Sarma responded with another video, firmly rejecting the allegations. The follow up clip showed a cavalcade of vehicles moving along the same road , while crowds gathered along the route waving flags of the Bharatiya Janata Party . The chief minister reiterated his stance with the caption: “Artificial Intelligence (red X) Assam Infrastructure (green tick).”

Despite the clarification, critics continued to challenge the claim. Several users posted images of pothole ridden roads from different parts of the state, arguing that these reflected the ground reality of Assam’s highways . One user even shared a report claiming the state ranks among those with some of the most damaged highways in India .

The controversy soon took a political turn. Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh criticised the chief minister’s post, alleging that it misrepresented the actual condition of roads and urged him to inspect highways in areas such as Jorhat .

Meanwhile, Sarma’s cabinet colleagues stepped in to defend him. Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika shared another video from the same stretch of road recorded during the Jana Ashirwad Yatra , asserting that the footage clearly showed the highway was real and not AI generated . Culture Minister Bimal Borah also posted a clip of the Silapathar to Jonai national highway at night to reinforce the claim.

What began as a promotional post showcasing Assam’s infrastructure development has now evolved into a broader online debate about road conditions, political messaging, and the growing mistrust of viral visuals in the age of artificial intelligence.