Assam Chief Minister Announces Legal Action Against Congress Leader Over Allegations
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a strong counterattack against Congress leader Pawan Khera, declaring that he and his wife Rinki Bhuyan Sarma will file both criminal and civil defamation cases within the next 48 hours. This decisive move comes in response to Khera's press conference where he raised serious questions about the Sarma family's assets and financial dealings.
Sarma's Firm Rejection of Allegations
In a sharp response posted on social media platform X, Sarma categorically rejected all allegations made by the Congress leader, describing them as "malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies." The Assam CM accused the Congress party of spreading false narratives out of frustration as the state moves toward what he called a "historic mandate."
"Today's press conference by Pawan Khera reflects the deep frustration and panic within the Congress party," Sarma wrote. "As Assam moves decisively towards a historic mandate, such desperate and baseless attacks only expose their sinking ground."
Expressing complete confidence in the judicial system, Sarma emphasized that Khera would be held fully accountable for what he termed "reckless and defamatory statements." The chief minister stated that once the truth is established in court, Khera would face appropriate legal consequences.
Khera's Detailed Allegations in Press Conference
During his press conference, Pawan Khera presented a series of detailed allegations against the Assam chief minister and his family. The Congress leader raised questions about multiple passport holdings, suggesting possible legal violations and asking whether this indicated preparation "for fleeing after losing the election."
Khera made specific claims about financial arrangements, alleging that Sarma had kept money in shell companies established in Wyoming, USA—a jurisdiction he described as having no taxes and being "a well-known place where people's properties are hidden away." The Congress leader asserted that his team had cross-checked this information for two days before making it public.
Demands for Investigation and Further Claims
The Congress spokesperson raised several demands for official investigation, calling for:
- Home Minister Amit Shah to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT)
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to take cognizance of alleged undisclosed information in election affidavits
- Explanation of how Sarma allegedly earned 52,000 crore rupees
Khera further claimed that Sarma's wife Rinki Bhuyan Sarma has business and property connections abroad, specifically mentioning a company in Wyoming whose member list allegedly includes both Sarmas and their son. The Congress leader also questioned why properties in Dubai allegedly linked to Sarma's wife weren't disclosed in election affidavits.
"Based on this information, Himanta shouldn't stay out of jail even for a day; his nomination should be canceled," Khera stated during the press conference, concluding with a direct appeal to Home Minister Amit Shah to respond to his demands for investigation.
Political Context and Legal Implications
This confrontation occurs amid heightened political tensions in Assam, with Sarma positioning himself as a key figure in the state's political landscape. The announcement of defamation lawsuits represents a significant escalation in what has become a bitter exchange between the ruling party and opposition figures.
The legal actions promised by Sarma—both criminal and civil cases—suggest a comprehensive approach to addressing what he views as character assassination. Criminal defamation cases in India can result in imprisonment, while civil suits typically seek monetary compensation for damage to reputation.
As the 48-hour deadline approaches, political observers are watching closely to see how this confrontation develops, with potential implications for both state politics and the broader political discourse in the region.
