Assam Political Storm Over Alleged Multiple Passports of CM's Wife
A fresh political controversy has erupted in Assam, sparking heated exchanges between the Congress and BJP. Congress leader Pawan Khera has made explosive allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, claiming that his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, holds multiple foreign passports. This has prompted a sharp rebuttal and legal threat from the BJP leader, intensifying tensions just days before polling in the state.
Congress Leader's Allegations and Press Conference Details
During a press conference in Delhi, Pawan Khera presented what he described as documents revealing that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma possesses three passports. He asserted that these include a UAE Golden Card, an Antigua and Barbuda passport, and an Egyptian passport. Khera emphasized that two of these passports belong to Islamic countries, contrasting this with the couple's public religious adherence claims.
Khera escalated his attack by linking the passport issue to broader allegations against the chief minister. "Their names have been linked to several allegations such as land grabbing, misuse of temple funds, government subsidies, and chit fund scams," he stated. He labeled the passport details as a "shocking detail", noting that none of the documents have expired, which he implied raises serious questions about transparency and legality.
Himanta Biswa Sarma's Strong Rebuttal and Legal Action Threat
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma swiftly dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. In a post on X, he attributed the press conference to "deep frustration and panic within the Congress party" as Assam approaches a historic electoral mandate. He categorically rejected every allegation, calling them malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam.
Sarma announced that both he and his wife will file criminal and civil defamation cases against Pawan Khera within 48 hours. "He will be held fully accountable for his reckless and defamatory statements," Sarma wrote, expressing complete faith in the judiciary. He warned that Khera would face the consequences of his actions once the truth is established in court.
Technical Inconsistencies and Fabrication Claims by Sarma
In a detailed response, Sarma highlighted what he termed "serious discrepancies" in the alleged documents, suggesting possible fabrication. He listed several inconsistencies:
- Surname mismatch with "SARMA" used instead of the official "SHARMA".
- A photograph that appears to be a publicly available image rather than a standard biometric capture.
- For the Antigua and Barbuda passport, an expiry date mismatch between the printed field and MRZ.
- In the Egyptian passport, a passport number mismatch, spelling errors like "Egyptiann", and incorrect Arabic references.
Sarma concluded that these inconsistencies strongly indicate digital manipulation, asserting that truth will prevail and those spreading misinformation will be held accountable. He confidently predicted that Khera's campaign of falsehood is nearing its end, with legal repercussions likely.
Congress Reaction and Calls for Further Investigation
Assam Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi also weighed in, calling the allegations shocking and demanding further investigation. He stated that holding multiple passports and failing to disclose properties constitute grave criminal offences. "How much money have they sent from Assam to their bank accounts abroad?" he questioned, labeling the chief minister an embarrassment for Assam who must answer for his actions.
Gogoi emphasized the need for more scrutiny into the matter, suggesting that the allegations point to potential financial misconduct and legal violations that require thorough examination by authorities.
Timing and Political Implications Ahead of Polls
This escalating exchange comes at a critical juncture, just days before polling in Assam scheduled for April 9. The controversy has injected fresh volatility into the state's political landscape, with both parties leveraging the issue to galvanize support. The allegations and counter-allegations highlight the intense rivalry and high stakes involved in the upcoming elections, potentially influencing voter perceptions and outcomes.
As the legal and political battles unfold, the focus remains on the veracity of the documents and the broader implications for governance and accountability in Assam. The situation underscores the fierce competition and strategic maneuvers characteristic of Indian state politics, with each side vying to shape the narrative in their favor.
