A fresh political controversy erupted after the Indian National Congress alleged that the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma possesses three foreign passports, triggering a sharp exchange between the ruling BJP and the opposition ahead of key political developments.The allegations were raised by Congress leader Pawan Khera, who claimed that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the Chief Minister’s wife, holds passports from multiple countries, including the UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, and Egypt. The Congress further alleged that she may have undisclosed foreign assets, including properties in Dubai, and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
Calling the issue a serious concern, Congress leaders questioned whether the alleged information had been disclosed in official records and affidavits. The party also urged authorities, including the Election Commission, to examine the claims and take appropriate action if any violations are found.However, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma categorically rejected the allegations, describing them as “false, fabricated, and politically motivated.” He asserted that the documents circulated by Congress were manipulated and contained multiple inconsistencies. Sarma further alleged that the claims were part of a deliberate attempt to malign his family’s reputation.
Escalating the confrontation, Sarma claimed that the source of the allegations could be linked to dubious foreign social media content, and warned of strict legal consequences against those spreading misinformation. He announced that both he and his wife would initiate defamation proceedings against Pawan Khera for making what he termed “baseless accusations.”The controversy has intensified the political atmosphere, with leaders from both sides trading sharp remarks. While Congress maintains that the issue raises questions of transparency and accountability, the BJP has dismissed it as an attempt to divert attention through unverified claims.As of now, no official confirmation or independent verification of the passport allegations has emerged. The matter is expected to move towards legal scrutiny, even as it continues to dominate the political discourse.
