Himanta Biswa Sarma defends his wife against claims made by Congress leader Pawan Khera, threatening action and suggesting police investigation.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a stern warning to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera following allegations regarding Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. The chief minister claimed that the Assam Police are equipped to track down Khera, even from the ‘paatal’ or netherworld, stating that he would face consequences for the allegations he made against Sarma’s family.
Sarma’s comments came after Khera publicly accused Riniki Bhuyan Sarma of holding multiple foreign passports and owning undisclosed property in Dubai. The Congress spokesperson, during a press event, alleged that she possesses passports from India, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, as well as owning shell companies registered in the United States.
In response, Sarma labelled Khera’s documents as fraudulent. He remarked, “The papers are false,” and suggested that Khera should reveal his sources. Sarma further expressed discontent towards Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who supported Khera’s allegations without attempting to verify the claims first. Referring to Kharge, Sarma said, “Kharge ji has aged, yet he speaks like a madman.”
The political situation escalated when Sarma filed a first information report (FIR) against Khera, prompting an Assam Police team to travel to Khera’s home in New Delhi to question him about the allegations. However, Khera was reportedly not at home during the visit. Sarma further speculated that the documents Khera based his claims on may have originated from Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Moreover, Sarma warned that the legal implications of Khera’s statements could extend to Gandhi. He remarked, “This case will extend to Rahul Gandhi.” In a broader context of political rivalry, Sarma stated, “This is Assam, and we have fought against Islamic invasion 17 times,” while discussing the attempts made by the opposition to intimidate him.
Kharge responded by calling for an inquiry into the situation, saying that all relevant agencies should investigate the claims made against Sarma. He stated, “They have already filed an FIR against Khera. Let them probe the matter.” Kharge labelled Sarma as potentially the most corrupt politician in India.
Congress communications official Jairam Ramesh supported Khera, asserting that the strong police presence at Khera’s residence represented a misuse of state power. He claimed that the actions were a “witch hunt” designed to silence the opposition. Ramesh described Sarma as “disturbed, desperate, and rattled” due to the unfolding controversy.
On the same day, Congress pressed for a probe by either the Enforcement Directorate or the Central Bureau of Investigation into the matter, reinforcing their call for transparency. Ramesh maintained that the use of police resources against Khera is indicative of the chief minister’s attempts to suppress legitimate inquiries into his actions and affiliations.
In conclusion, the allegations against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma and the ensuing political fallout highlight the ongoing tensions between the Assam government and opposition parties. The situation may continue to unfold as investigations proceed, and political leaders exchange accusations in the lead-up to upcoming elections.
