Guwahati: A political controversy has erupted in Assam after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reacted to allegations made by Congress leader Pawan Khera regarding his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, warning of legal consequences including possible life imprisonment if the claims are found to be fabricated.
The row began after Khera alleged at a press conference that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed three foreign passports from the UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, and Egypt. He also raised questions about alleged overseas assets and disclosures related to election affidavits.
Sarma dismissed the allegations as “false and fabricated” and accused the Congress of relying on dubious material. He claimed preliminary verification suggested that the documents shown were fraudulent and warned that legal action would be initiated.
The Chief Minister also indicated that criminal charges such as fabrication of documents and criminal conspiracy could be invoked, asserting that the matter would be pursued through legal channels.
According to reports, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma has already filed a police complaint over the allegations, and the Chief Minister expressed confidence that authorities would take action under relevant legal provisions.
Sarma has also indicated plans to file a defamation case against Khera, further escalating tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress ahead of the Assam Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, Khera has maintained that the Congress will present further evidence to support its claims and has demanded clarification regarding alleged foreign assets and citizenship-related questions.
The Congress has described the matter as serious and called for transparency, while the BJP has termed the allegations politically motivated.
The controversy comes just days before Assam is scheduled to go for Assembly elections.
