Recent allegations against Himanta Biswa Sarma have sparked controversy, focusing on claims of multiple passports and foreign investments.
The wider picture
The controversy surrounding Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, has intensified with allegations regarding foreign assets and multiple passports linked to his family. This situation has emerged as the state gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to secure a significant number of seats.
On April 5, 2026, during a press conference, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera made serious claims against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the Chief Minister’s wife. Khera alleged that she holds passports from three different countries: the UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, and Egypt. He also asserted that she owns luxury properties in Dubai and has made substantial investments in the United States, raising questions about her financial dealings.
In response to these allegations, Himanta Biswa Sarma threatened to sue Khera for defamation, stating that he would file both criminal and civil cases within 48 hours. Sarma described Khera’s claims as “malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam.” He emphasized that such accusations reflect the Congress party’s “deep frustration and panic” as they prepare for the elections.
Khera’s claims included specific details about the passports, stating that the UAE passport is a “golden card” issued in Abu Dhabi, valid until March 13, 2027. He also mentioned that the Antigua and Barbuda passport was issued on August 26, 2021, and is valid until August 25, 2031, while the Egyptian passport was issued on February 13, 2022, and is valid until February 12, 2029.
Sarma, in his defense, asserted that the allegations suggest attempts to relocate abroad after losing elections, a claim that he finds particularly troubling. He expressed confidence that “truth will prevail” and that those spreading misinformation would be held accountable for their actions.
As the political landscape in Assam shifts with these developments, observers are closely watching how the BJP and Congress will navigate these allegations. The Assam Assembly consists of 126 seats, and the BJP-NDA coalition is targeting to secure at least 100 of them in the upcoming elections.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the veracity of Khera’s claims, and the political ramifications of this controversy are yet to unfold. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how both parties will respond and what impact these allegations will have on the electoral prospects of the BJP and Congress in Assam.
