Guwahati, April 7: Indian National Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on April 7 launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, describing him as “disturbed, desperate, and rattled” after an Assam Police team reached the Delhi residence of Pawan Khera in connection with the ongoing passport controversy.
The police action followed a criminal defamation FIR filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. Officials visited Khera’s residence in Nizamuddin East as part of the investigation into allegations made by the Congress leader.
In a post, Ramesh criticised the move as a misuse of state machinery, terming it a “witch hunt” aimed at silencing the Opposition. He alleged that the action reflected pressure on the Chief Minister amid the escalating political row.
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate also questioned the police action, urging Sarma to respond to the allegations rather than issuing threats. She said serious corruption-related charges had been raised and called for answers from the Chief Minister.
The controversy stems from claims made by Khera, who alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma holds multiple passports and has links to properties abroad. The Chief Minister and his family have denied the allegations, describing them as fabricated and politically motivated.
Earlier, Sarma alleged that Khera had left New Delhi for Hyderabad after police reached his residence, asserting that the law would take its course and warning of stringent action. He also maintained that documents circulated against his family were doctored and sourced from dubious platforms, while raising questions about Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi.
The political confrontation has intensified ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections in Assam, with campaigning entering its final phase and counting scheduled for May 4.
