Guwahati, April 6: A fresh political flashpoint has emerged in Assam after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused the Indian National Congress of fabricating allegations against his wife using inputs from a Pakistani social media group, amid the ongoing election season.
Speaking at a press conference at Vajpayee Bhawan on Monday, Sarma claimed that the accusations were deliberately timed to influence poll outcomes and described them as a “criminal offence” under the law.
The Chief Minister alleged that the documents cited by Congress leaders were sourced from a group titled “Pakistanis in Ajman” and involved digital manipulation. “Her photo was morphed onto a lost passport belonging to a person from that country. This is not just fraud, it is a crime against the nation,” he said, expressing concern over what he termed as external interference in Assam’s electoral process.
The remarks came a day after Congress leaders Pawan Khera and Gaurav Gogoi raised questions regarding alleged foreign assets, multiple passports, and business links of the Chief Minister’s wife.
Sarma asserted that such allegations were part of a broader attempt to sway voters ahead of the elections. He also claimed that narratives favouring Congress were being pushed in multiple television discussions, suggesting an orchestrated effort to influence public opinion.
Confirming legal action, the Chief Minister said his wife has filed a complaint against Khera. “I am confident that the police will take necessary action as per law,” he stated.
He also criticised Gaurav Gogoi, son of former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, calling it “unfortunate” that he would level such allegations. Sarma further alleged that the Congress has a history of similar smear campaigns, citing the St. Kitts case as an example.
Earlier, Khera had alleged that Sarma’s wife possesses passports from multiple countries, including the UAE, Egypt, and Antigua and Barbuda, and owns properties in Dubai along with assets linked to shell companies. The BJP has rejected these claims, maintaining they are baseless and politically motivated.
The controversy has added intensity to the political discourse in Assam as the state heads toward crucial elections.
