Assam CM Alleges Pakistani Link in Congress's Passport Claims
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly refuted Congress's allegations that his wife holds multiple foreign passports, labeling the claims as 'false and fabricated'. Sarma further alleged that the documents presented by Congress originated from a 'Pakistani social media group', escalating the political rhetoric ahead of the Assam assembly elections. Both parties are threatening legal action.
Key Highlights
- Congress alleged CM's wife holds three foreign passports and undisclosed assets.
- CM Sarma rejected claims as 'false, fabricated, and politically motivated'.
- Sarma alleged Congress used documents from a 'Pakistani social media group'.
- He highlighted 'glaring inconsistencies' and digital manipulation in documents.
- CM's wife filed FIR; Sarma warned of 'life imprisonment' for fabrication.
- Dubai government and Indian authorities reportedly confirmed one passport as fake.
A significant political controversy has erupted in Assam, India, centering on allegations made by the opposition Congress party against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. On April 5 and 6, 2026, Congress leader Pawan Khera held press conferences in New Delhi and Guwahati, accusing Riniki Bhuyan Sarma of possessing passports from three different countries—the UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, and Egypt—and owning undisclosed properties in Dubai and a company in Wyoming, USA. Khera questioned the legality of holding multiple citizenships under Indian law and alleged that these assets were not disclosed in the Chief Minister's election affidavit.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma vehemently rejected these accusations, categorizing them as 'malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies' aimed at misleading the public ahead of the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9. Sarma, in turn, launched a counter-allegation, claiming that the entire material used by Congress in its press conferences was supplied by a 'Pakistani social media group'. He specifically stated that the image of the alleged UAE passport was originally uploaded by a Pakistani individual and subsequently 'AI Photoshopped' by Congress leaders. Sarma further suggested a pattern of foreign interference, noting an unusual increase in Pakistani media channels conducting talk shows about the Assam elections, with a consistent narrative favoring the Congress party.
The Chief Minister pointed out numerous 'serious discrepancies' and 'glaring inconsistencies' in the documents presented by Khera. These included spelling errors (such as 'Egyptiann'), mismatched surnames (Sarma versus Sharma), incorrect passport numbers, conflicting expiry dates, and invalid QR codes, all of which, according to Sarma, strongly indicated digital manipulation and fabrication. He presented a detailed explanation, arguing that anyone could register a company for a minimal fee, thus dismissing the claims about his wife's alleged company in the US.
In response to the allegations, both Himanta Biswa Sarma and Riniki Bhuyan Sarma announced their intention to pursue legal action. Riniki Bhuyan Sarma filed an FIR, and the Chief Minister stated that criminal and civil defamation cases would be filed against Pawan Khera within 48 hours. Sarma issued a stern warning, stating that using fabricated documents to influence the outcome of an election attracts severe penalties, including potential life imprisonment.
Furthermore, Sarma provided an update on the alleged Dubai passport, stating that both the Dubai government and the Indian government had confirmed it to be fake. He added that the Assam Police had already initiated an inquiry into the matter, with reports on the other two alleged passports expected by Monday or Tuesday. The political slugfest intensified with this exchange, as the BJP accused Congress of a desperate and baseless campaign, while Congress maintained its ground, promising to present further evidence and demanding an inquiry into the matter. This controversy unfolded in the backdrop of ongoing Assam Assembly elections, adding a heated dimension to the political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main allegations made by Congress against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife?
Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, held passports from three foreign countries (UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, Egypt) and owned undisclosed properties in Dubai, along with a company in the USA.
How did CM Himanta Biswa Sarma respond to these allegations?
CM Sarma vehemently denied the allegations, calling them 'false and fabricated' and 'politically motivated lies'. He also counter-alleged that the documents presented by Congress were sourced from a 'Pakistani social media group' and were digitally manipulated.
What is the 'Pakistani link' alleged by CM Sarma?
Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that the material used by Congress in their press conferences originated from a 'Pakistani social media group'. He specifically stated that an image of a UAE passport was initially uploaded by a Pakistani individual and later photoshopped by Congress. He also pointed to increased Pakistani media interest in Assam elections favoring Congress.
What legal action is being taken?
Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, have filed or threatened to file criminal and civil defamation cases against Congress leader Pawan Khera. Sarma also warned that using fabricated documents to influence an election could lead to penalties, including life imprisonment.
Were any of the alleged passports verified?
CM Sarma stated that the Dubai government and the Indian government have confirmed that the alleged Dubai passport is fake. The Assam Police has initiated an inquiry into the matter.
