Guwahati, April 7: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on April 7 escalated the ongoing political confrontation by challenging Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi to appear with him at Batadrava Than and take a public oath over allegations related to assets and financial disclosures.
In a Facebook Live address, Sarma said he was willing to accept Gogoi’s demand to swear on the Bhagavad Gita regarding his assets, including any foreign properties, bank accounts or passports linked to his family. He proposed that both leaders meet at the shrine at 9:00 AM on April 8 to take the oath publicly.
However, the Chief Minister set a counter-condition, asking Gogoi to disclose details of his wife’s alleged foreign bank accounts and properties in England. He also raised questions about Gogoi’s reported visit to Pakistan, including his stay in Rawalpindi and the nature of his engagements during a week-long trip.
“I accept your challenge,” Sarma said, urging Gogoi to inform the media of his willingness to participate. He also indicated that the venue could be shifted to Guwahati if required.
The development follows Gogoi’s earlier challenge to the Chief Minister to deny allegations under oath. Speaking after a rally, the Congress leader had questioned whether Sarma was concealing assets and business interests abroad while making allegations against political opponents.
The exchange comes amid a broader controversy triggered by claims from Congress leaders, including Pawan Khera, regarding alleged foreign passports and assets linked to the Chief Minister’s family. Sarma has rejected the allegations, describing them as fabricated and alleging that they were based on misinformation sourced from foreign social media platforms.
The latest challenge adds a new flashpoint to the intensifying political battle between the BJP and the Congress in Assam ahead of the Assembly elections.
