Himanta Biswa Sarma's AI 'Gangnam Style' video crosses 3.3 million views
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's artificial intelligence-generated dance video crossed 3.3 million views on Instagram by Sunday, 25 October 2026, after he shared the clip on his official account. The digitally created video places Sarma alongside two Cabinet colleagues performing the iconic horse-riding choreography from South Korean pop star PSY's 2012 global hit 'Gangnam Style'.
What the video shows
The AI-generated clip features the Assam Chief Minister alongside Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika and Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, all rendered in the signature moves of one of the most recognisable pop-culture dances of the last decade. The video was posted directly on Sarma's official Instagram handle, lending it an element of official endorsement rather than third-party creation.
The production replaces the familiar campaign songs and political visuals typically associated with the Chief Minister's public appearances, substituting them with an internationally renowned pop-culture reference — a clear creative departure from conventional political communication.
Why it spread so fast
Sarma has previously drawn wide attention for his energetic dance sequences at election rallies, with videos of rhythmic clapping, animated hand gestures, and energetic jumps circulating widely on social media, particularly during Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) campaign programmes. The 'Gangnam Style' clip builds on that existing association but adds an unexpected twist by placing the Assam leadership within a globally recognised entertainment frame.
This comes amid a broader trend of political figures featuring in unconventional digital content to generate engagement beyond traditional formats such as speeches and press conferences. The rapid reach — 3.3 million views within days — underscores the outsized amplification effect that AI-generated content can achieve when anchored to recognisable public figures.
The AI content context
PSY's 'Gangnam Style', released in 2012, was the first YouTube video to hit one billion views and went on to become a decade-defining pop phenomenon, with its horse-riding dance move entering mainstream global culture. Using that template for a current political personality is a calculated choice for maximum cross-demographic recognition.
AI-generated videos of public figures have increasingly become a feature of online entertainment and political messaging alike. Such content can generate substantial engagement, although digital literacy experts routinely caution that viewers must distinguish between authentic footage and algorithmically manipulated representations. The video's viral trajectory illustrates both the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with this format.
What it signals for political communication
The episode adds a pop-culture dimension to the Assam political landscape and reflects a widening willingness among Indian politicians to experiment with digital formats for public outreach. Notably, Sarma's direct sharing of the content — rather than distancing from a fan-created clip — signals an intentional communication strategy. How parties and leaders use AI-generated entertainment content in the run-up to future state and national elections is likely to become an increasingly relevant question for both media observers and election watchdogs.