The wider picture
In a politically charged atmosphere in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma finds himself at the center of a storm following serious allegations regarding foreign assets and multiple passports linked to his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. The controversy erupted during a press conference held on April 5, 2026, where Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possesses passports from three different countries: the UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, and Egypt. These allegations have ignited intense scrutiny and debate in the lead-up to the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.
Khera’s assertions included detailed claims about the passports, stating that one is a ‘golden card’ issued in Abu Dhabi, valid until March 13, 2027, while the Antigua and Barbuda passport was issued on August 26, 2021, and is valid until August 25, 2031. He further alleged that the Egyptian passport was issued on February 13, 2022, and remains valid until February 12, 2029. Such claims raise significant questions about the legality and implications of holding multiple passports, particularly for an Indian national.
In response to these allegations, Sarma did not hold back. He described Khera’s claims as “malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam.” Sarma asserted that the Congress party’s accusations reflect their “deep frustration and panic” as they face the reality of the upcoming elections, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to secure at least 100 seats in the 126-seat Assam Assembly.
Sarma’s reaction escalated the situation further, as he announced his intention to file both criminal and civil defamation cases against Khera within 48 hours. He emphasized that the allegations suggest attempts to relocate abroad after losing elections, a claim that adds a layer of urgency and seriousness to the unfolding drama. “Truth will prevail. Those spreading misinformation will be held accountable,” Sarma declared, signaling his determination to counter the accusations.
The political landscape in Assam is already fraught with tension, and this latest controversy is likely to exacerbate the existing divisions. Observers note that the timing of Khera’s allegations, just before the elections, suggests a strategic maneuver to undermine Sarma’s credibility and sway public opinion. The BJP’s stronghold in Assam has been challenged in recent years, and the stakes are high as both parties gear up for a fierce electoral battle.
As the situation develops, political analysts and party officials are closely monitoring the reactions from both sides. The Congress party’s strategy appears focused on leveraging these allegations to create doubt about Sarma’s integrity and leadership. Meanwhile, the BJP is expected to rally around Sarma, reinforcing their narrative of political victimization and resilience in the face of opposition attacks.
With the elections on the horizon, the implications of this controversy could have lasting effects on the political dynamics in Assam. As both sides prepare for a heated campaign, the unfolding drama surrounding Himanta Biswa Sarma and the allegations against his family will undoubtedly remain a focal point of discussion among voters and political commentators alike.
