Guwahati, April 5: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced legal action against senior Congress leader Pawan Khera, rejecting as “malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies” allegations concerning his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.
In a statement posted on X, Sarma said both criminal and civil defamation cases would be filed within 48 hours, asserting that Khera would be held accountable for what he described as reckless and defamatory claims. He also expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that the truth would be established through legal proceedings.
The controversy arose after Khera alleged during a press conference that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma holds valid passports from three foreign countries — the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Antigua and Barbuda — and claimed to possess documentary evidence to support the assertion. He cited specific dates of issuance and questioned how an Indian national could hold multiple foreign passports simultaneously, given that India does not permit dual citizenship.
Khera further escalated the issue by raising questions about whether Amit Shah was aware of the alleged documents, linking the matter to broader political accountability. He also accused the Chief Minister of hypocrisy, arguing that a leader who emphasises citizenship issues should provide clarity on such allegations.
Responding sharply, Sarma dismissed the claims as indicative of frustration within the Congress ahead of the elections. He said such attacks would not mislead the public and reiterated his confidence that the BJP would secure a decisive mandate in Assam.
The exchange marks a fresh escalation in the ongoing political confrontation between the BJP and Congress as campaigning intensifies ahead of the Assembly polls.
