The wider picture
The controversy involves allegations of foreign assets and multiple passports related to the Chief Minister’s family. On April 5, 2026, during a press conference, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of Himanta Biswa Sarma, holds passports from three different countries: the UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, and Egypt. Khera further alleged that she owns luxury properties in Dubai and has made significant investments in the United States, including a budget of 34.67 billion USD for a company based in Wyoming.
In response to these serious allegations, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is currently serving as the Chief Minister of Assam, threatened to sue Khera for defamation within 48 hours. Sarma described Khera’s claims as “malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam.” He expressed his determination to hold those spreading misinformation accountable, stating, “Truth will prevail. Those spreading misinformation will be held accountable.”
Khera’s allegations included specific details about the passports, claiming that one passport is a “golden card” issued in Abu Dhabi, valid until March 13, 2027. He also mentioned that the Antigua and Barbuda passport was issued on August 26, 2021, and is valid until August 25, 2031, while the Egyptian passport was issued on February 13, 2022, and is valid until February 12, 2029. These claims have raised questions about the legality and implications of holding multiple passports as an Indian national.
Sarma, in his rebuttal, suggested that the Congress party’s accusations reflect their “deep frustration and panic” as the state approaches the upcoming elections. He asserted that the allegations imply attempts to relocate abroad after losing elections, a statement that underscores the high stakes involved in the political landscape of Assam, which has 126 Assembly seats.
The political tension between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress in Assam has been escalating, with both parties gearing up for the elections. The BJP-NDA coalition aims to secure at least 100 seats in the Assembly elections, making this controversy particularly significant as it could influence voter sentiment. Observers note that such allegations can have a profound impact on the political narrative leading up to the elections.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the allegations will affect Sarma’s political standing and the BJP’s campaign strategy. The party’s response to these claims will be closely monitored by both supporters and opponents alike. Sarma’s commitment to legal action against Khera indicates that he is prepared to fight back against what he perceives as an attack on his integrity and that of his family.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the veracity of Khera’s claims, and the political ramifications of this controversy are yet to be fully realized. As both parties prepare for the electoral battle ahead, the focus will likely remain on the unfolding developments surrounding these allegations and their potential impact on the electorate’s perception of the candidates involved.
