Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's viral social media post likening a state highway to a Formula 1 racing track has triggered a storm of criticism, with netizens and opposition leaders accusing him of peddling AI-generated footage. The controversy boiled over after Sarma shared a polished 26-second drone video on X, showing vehicles gliding effortlessly on a sleek road, overlaid with a red "X" on "Artificial Intelligence" and a green checkmark next to "Assam Infrastructure."

The clip, posted late Tuesday, drew swift backlash. Social media users flagged oddities like cars flouting traffic rules—such as abrupt lane switches and unrealistic speeds—hallmarks of AI manipulation in viral videos. Congress leader Reetam Singh labeled it a "BJP IT cell stunt," pointing to India's strict ₹5,000 fines for wrong-side driving on highways. Detractors juxtaposed the footage with photos of Assam's infamous potholes, referencing recent rankings that place the state among India's worst for road damage. This marks yet another flashpoint for Sarma's infrastructure boasts. Past posts promoting road upgrades have similarly faced fact-checks, amid persistent local gripes over monsoon-flooded routes and rural blackspots.

Unfazed, Sarma doubled down with a repost declaring the video "100% real," supplementing it with ground-level footage: one from a bustling BJP Jana Ashirwad Yatra on the same stretch, and a nighttime clip of the Silapathar-Jonai highway shared by Minister Bimal Borah. "Assam roads are world-class now," he quipped, challenging skeptics to visit. Supporters, including Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika, piled on, ridiculing Rahul Gandhi and Gaurav Gogoi for doubting the state's progress under BJP governance. Hazarika highlighted over 1,000 km of new highways built since 2021, tying it to national infrastructure surges.

Assam's highway push reflects Modi's broader vision, but challenges linger. A 2025 NHAI assessment noted flood vulnerabilities in key areas, fueling the authenticity debate. As AI tools blur lines between real and fake, this spat spotlights the risks—and rewards—of leaders using social media to showcase development. For Assam's drivers, the proof will be in the pavement.