Himanta Biswa Sarma Faces Allegations of Malicious Lies
The wider picture
The controversy involves allegations of foreign assets and multiple passports related to the Chief Minister’s family. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has been serving as the Chief Minister of Assam, is currently facing serious accusations from Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera. Khera claimed that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, Sarma’s wife, holds passports from three different countries: the UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, and Egypt. This revelation has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about the legitimacy of these claims and their implications for Sarma’s political future.
During a press conference held on April 5, 2026, Khera alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma owns luxury properties in Dubai and has made significant investments in the United States, including a company with a budget of $34.67 billion. He further stated that one of the passports is a ‘golden card’ issued in Abu Dhabi, valid until March 13, 2027, while the Antigua and Barbuda passport was issued on August 26, 2021, and is valid until August 25, 2031. The Egyptian passport, according to Khera, was issued on February 13, 2022, and is valid until February 12, 2029.
In response to these allegations, Sarma threatened to sue Khera for defamation within 48 hours, describing the claims as “malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam.” He asserted that the accusations reflect the Congress party’s “deep frustration and panic” as they face the upcoming elections. Sarma’s comments suggest that he views these allegations as an attempt to undermine his leadership and distract from the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) agenda in Assam.
Sarma’s assertion that he and his wife would file both criminal and civil defamation cases against Khera indicates the seriousness with which he is treating these accusations. He claimed that the allegations suggest attempts to relocate abroad after losing elections, a statement that could resonate with voters who are concerned about the integrity of their leaders. With Assam having 126 Assembly seats, the stakes are high for both the BJP and Congress as they prepare for the elections.
Observers note that this controversy could have significant ramifications for the political landscape in Assam. The BJP-NDA coalition aims to secure 100 seats in the upcoming Assembly elections, and any distraction from their campaign could prove detrimental. Sarma’s proactive legal response may be an attempt to regain control of the narrative and reassure his supporters that he is committed to transparency and accountability.
As the situation develops, both parties are likely to ramp up their efforts to sway public opinion. The Congress party may continue to leverage these allegations to challenge Sarma’s credibility, while the BJP will likely focus on countering these claims and emphasizing their governance record. The outcome of this controversy could play a pivotal role in shaping the electoral prospects of both parties in Assam.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of Riniki Bhuyan Sarma’s alleged foreign assets and the validity of the passports in question. As the political tension escalates, all eyes will be on Assam to see how this unfolding drama impacts the electoral landscape.
